Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy beef and shells masterpiece, where tender pasta cradles rich, savory ground beef in a velvety sauce. Hearty, satisfying flavors welcome diners to a quick and delicious meal perfect for hungry families seeking delightful dinner inspiration.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (225 g) medium pasta shells
Primary Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta shells, cooking until they reach a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a generously sized skillet over medium flame. Introduce ground beef, methodically fragmenting the meat with a wooden utensil until it transforms into a rich, caramelized brown. Eliminate any surplus fatty residue.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions into the beef, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence. Quickly introduce minced garlic, stirring briefly to awaken its intense flavor profile.
- Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer, creating a robust foundation that melds flavors harmoniously.
- Gently reduce heat and cascade heavy cream into the skillet. Gradually fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until a velvety, seamless sauce emerges.
- Delicately fold the prepared pasta shells into the creamy concoction, ensuring each shell becomes luxuriously coated. Allow the mixture to gently heat through, marrying all ingredients.
- Taste and refine the seasoning, adding additional salt and pepper if necessary. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally embellishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh parsley for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Choose a large, wide skillet to ensure even cooking and sufficient space for mixing pasta and sauce.
- Drain pasta just before al dente to prevent overcooking when combined with the beef mixture.
- Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and develop deeper flavor complexity.
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and richer taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick that enhances the overall dish’s richness.
- Gluten-free option: Replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free shell pasta or cauliflower shells.
- Meal prep friendly: Store in airtight containers and reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain sauce consistency.
- Enhance nutritional value by incorporating finely chopped spinach or zucchini during the beef cooking stage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg