Description

Easy Creamy Beef and Shells is a delicious and satisfying one-pan pasta dish that combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef, all wrapped in a rich, cheesy tomato cream sauce. This dish is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor, ideal for busy weeknights, family meals, or even meal prepping.

Ingredients

12 oz medium pasta shells

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup beef broth

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Season: Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir until the flour is absorbed. Slowly pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of beef broth or cream to adjust the consistency.

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option.

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat.

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or chili powder to taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 540
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg