🍝 Creamy Beef and Shells (Rich & Comforting)
A hearty, cheesy pasta dish with tender beef and a creamy tomato sauce — ready in about 30 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp paprika or red pepper flakes
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook pasta
Boil shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Brown beef
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned.
Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3️⃣ Make sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasoning.
Simmer 5–7 minutes.
4️⃣ Make it creamy
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream.
Add cooked shells and mix well.
5️⃣ Add cheese
Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
6️⃣ Serve
Let sit 2–3 minutes to thicken before serving.
🌿 Tips & Variations
- Add 4 oz cream cheese for extra richness.
- Stir in spinach during the last few minutes for color.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Colby Jack.
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
- A one-pot version
- A baked casserole version
- Or a lighter version
Which one sounds good? 🍽️
