Description
This creamy beef and shells recipe is a quick and comforting pasta dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, rich tomato and cream sauce, and melty cheddar cheese. A family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Keywords: creamy beef pasta, pasta shells recipe, quick dinner ideas, comfort food pasta.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
8 oz medium pasta shells
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
3. Add diced onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Add the cooked pasta shells and mix until well coated. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
You can swap heavy cream with half and half for a lighter version.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 585
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg