Description
Comfort meets culinary delight in this easy creamy beef and shells pasta dish that combines hearty ground beef with creamy cheese sauce. Pasta shells cradle seasoned meat in a rich, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners that you’ll eagerly return to again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Pasta and Vegetable Base:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
Cheese and Seasoning Blend:
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta shells in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, add ground beef and onions, browning meat and softening vegetables for 6-7 minutes.
- Drain accumulated fat from the skillet, then add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, approximately 1 minute.
- Pour diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings into the skillet, creating a robust sauce. Simmer for 4-5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Reduce heat to low, gently incorporate heavy cream into the mixture, allowing sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring even coating and distribution.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, cohesive texture.
- Transfer to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and additional flavor profile.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
- Test pasta doneness by cooking al dente, ensuring shells remain slightly firm for better texture and preventing mushiness.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, healthier alternative without compromising creamy consistency.
- Consider adding chopped spinach or diced bell peppers during beef cooking stage for extra nutrition and vibrant color boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg