Description
Creamy beef and shells pasta delivers comfort in a single skillet with hearty ground beef and tender pasta shells. Melted cheese and rich sauce create a satisfying meal that brings families together at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Submerge pasta shells and cook until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef and diced onions, sautéing for 6-7 minutes until meat transforms into a rich, caramelized brown. Eliminate excess grease.
- Incorporate minced garlic, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Allow aromatics to bloom and intensify for 2 minutes, releasing their robust flavors.
- Pour tomato sauce and beef broth into the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing liquid to concentrate and develop a slightly thickened consistency.
- Gently fold heavy cream and shredded cheddar into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a velvety, smooth texture.
- Transfer cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce. Toss thoroughly, ensuring each shell is generously coated with the luxurious sauce.
- Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. Accompany with crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Choose medium or jumbo shells to hold more sauce and create better texture contrast.
- Drain excess beef fat completely to prevent greasy sauce and maintain clean flavor profile.
- Reduce heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, silky sauce consistency.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for leaner option or use plant-based meat alternative for vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 524 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 387 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg