🥘 Creamy Beef and Shells
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 20–25 min
Ingredients
-
8 oz medium pasta shells
-
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup beef broth or water
-
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
-
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for cooking)
-
Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook pasta:
Boil pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook beef:
In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed. -
Add liquids:
Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cream, Italian seasoning, and salt & pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes. -
Combine pasta and cheese:
Add cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed. -
Serve:
Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm.
💡 Tips & Variations
-
Vegetable boost: Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms when cooking the beef.
-
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
-
Cheese upgrade: Use a mix of cheddar and Parmesan for extra flavor.
-
One-pot shortcut: Cook the pasta shells directly in the beef broth to save a pot and absorb more flavor.
If you want, I can also give you a version with a creamy tomato sauce that’s tangier and even more decadent — basically a pasta bake style. Do you want me to do that?
