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Creamy Beef and Pasta Shells Recipe

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4.2 from 85 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

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. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, it blends savory and creamy flavors for a satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Protein & Pasta

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz medium pasta shells

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Spices & Seasonings

  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
  2. Sauté onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
  4. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
  5. Season the beef: Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly through the meat mixture to build a flavorful base.
  6. Add pasta and broth: Pour in the pasta shells and 2 cups of beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer to start cooking the pasta in the flavorful liquid.
  7. Simmer and cook pasta: Cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the pasta shells are tender.
  8. Make it creamy: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce turns rich, creamy, and smooth.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness, and serve the dish warm.

Notes

  • Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option to reduce fat content.
  • Add mushrooms or spinach during the sauté step for extra vegetables and nutrition.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://myhomemadecooking.com/creamy-beef-and-pasta-shells-recipe/