🥘 Creamy Beef and Shells
A hearty, comforting pasta dish with tender beef, shell pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce — perfect for weeknight dinners.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta shells
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Optional garnish: parsley or grated Parmesan
🥣 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Pasta
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
3️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
- Add diced onion and garlic to the beef; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
4️⃣ Make Creamy Sauce
- Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream until fully combined.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
5️⃣ Combine with Pasta
- Add cooked pasta shells to the sauce; stir to coat evenly.
- Optional: stir in shredded cheese for extra creaminess.
6️⃣ Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Extra Creamy: Add cream cheese or a splash of milk along with heavy cream.
- Cheesy Twist: Top with mozzarella and broil for a few minutes for a bubbly finish.
- Vegetable Boost: Add peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare sauce in advance and cook pasta just before serving; combine and reheat.
If you want, I can also give you:
- Slow-cooker creamy beef and shells
- One-pot version
- Spicy version with red pepper flakes
- Cheesy baked version
Do you want it simple and creamy or baked with extra cheese?
