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Creamy Beef and Shells

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a comforting pasta dish made with tender shell pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy ground beef pasta comes together quickly in one pan and delivers bold flavor in every bite. If you love easy pasta recipes and hearty beef pasta recipes, this creamy and satisfying meal is sure to become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz medium pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  5. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors combine.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce.
  8. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a variation similar to creamy beef and bow tie pasta, simply substitute bow tie pasta for the shells.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas to make the dish fit more balanced healthy dinner recipes.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, replace some of the cream with extra broth.
  • This dish can also be made as a one pot creamy beef and garlic pasta by cooking the pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth.