Description
Creamy beef and shells elevate comfort food with a rich, hearty pasta dish blending ground beef and tender pasta shells. Melted cheese and savory seasonings combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) medium pasta shells
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
Sauces, Seasonings, and Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Sear ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until completely browned and crumbly. Eliminate excess grease.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
- Introduce tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings. Allow mixture to simmer and develop flavors for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Lower temperature and gently fold in heavy cream, creating a luxurious base. Gradually sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until smoothly melted.
- Fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy meat sauce, ensuring each shell is evenly coated with the rich, velvety mixture.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish just before serving.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Choose medium or large shells to capture the most creamy sauce and ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
- Fat Management: Thoroughly drain beef fat to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a rich, clean taste profile.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese freshly and add gradually while stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce without clumping.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace pasta shells with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that maintains the dish’s delicious essence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg