Description
Classic comfort creamy beef and shells pasta blends hearty ground beef with tender pasta shells in a rich sauce. Melted cheese and savory seasonings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz (226 g) medium pasta shells
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta shells in generously salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef, crumbling and browning thoroughly for 5-6 minutes.
- Incorporate finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the meat mixture, then blend in tomato paste. Pour marinara sauce and beef broth, creating a rich, robust sauce.
- Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces and thickens slightly, roughly 6-7 minutes.
- Lower temperature and gently fold in heavy cream, creating a velvety base. Gradually introduce shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.
- Delicately fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy meat sauce, ensuring each shell is evenly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately while piping hot. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use high-quality ground beef with at least 80% lean meat for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Consider draining excess fat after browning the beef to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to decrease calorie content.
- Try different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or provolone for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 690 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg