Description
Creamy beef and shells will make your dinner table shine with pure comfort and deliciousness. This hearty pasta dish brings together ground beef, tender shells, and a rich cheese sauce that wraps around each bite like a warm hug.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Aromatics and Liquids:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil 8 oz medium pasta shells in salted water for 8-9 minutes at a rolling boil until perfectly al dente. Drain and set shells aside.
- Heat large skillet to medium-high heat. Cook 1 lb ground beef, continuously breaking into small crumbles until completely browned, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from beef. Add 1 small diced onion to skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Mince 2 garlic cloves and stir into onion mixture. Cook for additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Pour 1 cup beef broth and 1 cup heavy cream into skillet. Stir ingredients to create smooth base.
- Add 1 can drained diced tomatoes, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Simmer sauce for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to develop.
- Fold reserved pasta shells into sauce, ensuring each shell gets completely coated. Cook 2-3 minutes to reheat pasta.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over pasta. Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes creamy.
- Chop fresh parsley and scatter over top of dish. Serve immediately while hot and sauce is glossy.
Notes
- Pasta selection matters, so choose medium or large shells that hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Drain beef fat completely to prevent a greasy dish and let the rich sauce shine.
- Consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version that still delivers fantastic flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright finish, but chopped green onions work wonderfully as an alternative garnish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Beef
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg