🍝 Creamy Beef and Shells (Hearty & Cheesy)
A rich, comforting pasta dish with tender beef and a creamy, cheesy sauce — perfect for weeknight dinners.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 12 oz pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley for garnish
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook pasta
- Boil shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook beef
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned.
- Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3️⃣ Make sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes.
4️⃣ Add cream & cheese
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar until smooth.
5️⃣ Combine
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix gently to coat shells with sauce.
6️⃣ Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired.
🌿 Tips & Variations
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Make it spicy with crushed red pepper or Cajun seasoning.
- For a baked version: pour into a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake 15–20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
If you want, I can also give you:
- One-pot creamy beef and shells
- Baked version with breadcrumb topping
- Spicy Cajun-style creamy beef and shells
Which version should I provide?
