Iconic Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe Easy Cozy Dinner
A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender beef, shell pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 12 ounces (340g) medium shell pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Season beef with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Add tomato paste and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and butter. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in cooked pasta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until cheese is melted and pasta is coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Slightly undercook pasta before adding to sauce for perfect texture.
- Optional: add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.