Description
A creamy, flavorful pasta dish made with ground beef, pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar and mozzarella mix)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
- Add tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low; stir in heavy cream and sour cream (if using). Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta shells to the sauce; stir to coat evenly. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for extra flavor.
- Sour cream is optional but adds richness to the sauce.
- This dish can be garnished with fresh parsley or basil for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
