Description
This creamy beef and pasta shells recipe is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, delivering a hearty and satisfying dish packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Brown ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Season beef: Mix in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to infuse the meat with robust flavors.
- Add pasta and broth: Stir in the medium pasta shells and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook pasta: Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Incorporate cream and cheese: Reduce the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute ground turkey in place of ground beef.
- Enhance the dish’s nutritional value by adding mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
