Creamy Beef and Shells is a hearty and delicious pasta dish that combines ground beef with a creamy tomato sauce and pasta shells. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove any excess fat.
- Saute the Aromatics:
- Push the ground beef to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side of the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Pasta and Cheese:
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to combine and coat the pasta with the sauce. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the sauce.
- For extra richness, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add a splash of half-and-half.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is perfect for a comforting family dinner and leftovers can be just as tasty the next day!