Here’s a comforting, Creamy Beef and Shells recipe—rich, cheesy, and ready in about 30 minutes 🍝
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Boil shells in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and onion; cook until beef is browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season & build flavor
- Add garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
- Make it creamy
- Pour in beef broth and simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Cheese it up
- Lower heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine
- Add cooked pasta shells and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with parsley or extra cheese.
Easy Variations
- Extra creamy: Add ¼ cup cream cheese
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
- Veg boost: Stir in peas, spinach, or mushrooms
- Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
If you want, I can also share a one-pot version, a slow cooker recipe, or a copycat boxed-style version 😄
