Description
Creamy beef and shells combine hearty ground beef with tender pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. Comfort food enthusiasts will savor this classic dish that delivers satisfying flavors you can enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz (226 g) medium pasta shells
- 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent and softened.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and browning completely. Mix in minced garlic and smoky paprika, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour tomato sauce and rich beef broth into the meat mixture, allowing ingredients to meld together. Simmer uncovered for approximately 5 minutes, reducing liquid slightly.
- Lower heat and gently incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously until sauce transforms into a luxurious, thickened consistency.
- Fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring each shell is generously coated. Sprinkle shredded cheese throughout and stir until completely melted and integrated.
- Season the dish with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance flavors. Finish by garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch before serving hot.
Notes
- Choose pasta shells with ridges to help sauce cling better and create more flavor absorption.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version.
- Keep cream sauce smooth by adding cheese gradually and stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
- Use low-sodium broth and control salt level to manage overall dish’s sodium content, making it heart-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg