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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  • 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

Keywords: Creamy Beef and Shells, cheesy pasta shells, ground beef pasta