Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting beef and pasta shells simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce. A family-friendly weeknight dinner that’s ready fast and always satisfying.
- Author: ssam
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 1. Cook pasta shells in salted water according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- 4. Stir in onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook 2–3 minutes.
- 5. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.
- 6. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, then simmer 5–7 minutes.
- 7. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream.
- 8. Add cooked pasta shells and shredded cheese; stir until melted and creamy.
- 9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Add spinach or peas for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Creamy Beef and Shells, cheesy pasta shells, ground beef pasta