Description
Hearty one-pot creamy beef and shells combine classic comfort with simple preparation. Rich pasta shells nestled with seasoned ground beef create a satisfying meal families will crave quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 2 cups (480 ml) medium pasta shells, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) marinara sauce
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear and Spice: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Brown ground beef, breaking it into small pieces until caramelized. Add onions and garlic, stirring until softened. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to infuse deep, complex flavors.
- Build the Base: Incorporate tomato paste, allowing it to caramelize and intensify the meat’s richness. Pour in beef broth and marinara sauce, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil. Gently add uncooked pasta shells, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
- Creamy Transformation: When pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, introduce heavy cream. Gradually fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and velvety. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finishing Touch: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma. Serve immediately while steaming hot, showcasing the dish’s rich, creamy consistency and robust flavors.
Notes
- Sear Meat Perfectly: Brown ground beef at medium-high heat to develop deep caramelization, ensuring maximum flavor development without burning.
- Spice Balance Technique: Toast spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance their aromatic compounds and intensify overall dish complexity.
- Pasta Cooking Precision: Stir shells occasionally and monitor liquid levels to prevent sticking and achieve ideal al dente texture without becoming mushy.
- Cheese Melting Strategy: Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg