Creamy Beef and Shells

Some recipes exist purely for comfort, and this creamy beef and shells is the ultimate proof. It is a warm, velvety hug in a bowl that instantly brings you back to childhood, but upgraded with fresh garlic, rich cream, and sharp cheddar. Think of it as Hamburger Helper that went to culinary school and came back with a refined personality.

There is a distinct magic to cooking pasta directly in the broth and cream rather than boiling it in plain water. As those tender medium shells simmer right in the pan, they soak up all that savory beef flavor and release their starches, thickening the sauce into a rich, silky glaze that coats every single nook and cranny. Those little pasta shells act like tiny sauce spoons, guaranteeing you get a pocket of cheesy perfection in every bite.

It is the kind of effortless one-pan dinner that saves chaotic weeknights when energy is low, but expectations are high. The moment you stir in that sharp cheddar and watch it melt into the rich tomato cream, you know you are minutes away from a meal that will have everyone silently scraping their bowls for seconds.

Whether you are feeding a table full of picky eaters or just craving a deeply satisfying pasta on a chilly evening, this dish hits the spot every single time. It is fast, ridiculously cheesy, and pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty garlic bread for full sauce-mopping duties.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 lb medium pasta shells
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Microplaned Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Saute: In a large saute pan heat olive oil over medium low heat. Saute onion, Italian seasoning and pinch of salt until onions are translucent. Add garlic and stir until fragrant approximately 30-60 seconds.
2. Beef: Add ground beef, remainder of salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook (breaking apart chunks of meat) until fully cooked.
3. Sauce: Add tomato paste and mix thoroughly. Next add the beef broth and cream and bring pot to a low boil
4. Pasta: Pour in uncooked pasta and simmer uncovered until pasta is tender.
5. Serve: Add the cheese and stir. Add additional seasonings as desired.