Description
This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a comforting, one-pot meal loaded with tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers a deliciously satisfying bite every time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease and remove the beef from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics – In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce – Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese – Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything – Return the cooked beef and pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!