Description
Hearty one-pot creamy beef and shells deliver comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising rich flavors in every delightful bite. Comfort meets convenience, ensuring quick satisfaction for hungry families craving a satisfying meal that brings smiles around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce Components:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) medium pasta shells, uncooked
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Dairy and Aromatics:
- 1 cup (240 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Oil and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear ground beef in a spacious pot with olive oil over medium heat, fragmenting the meat into small, uniform pieces until it achieves a rich, caramelized brown color.
- Introduce diced onions and allow them to become translucent and soft, releasing their aromatic essence. Incorporate minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the spices evenly and activate their intense flavors.
- Blend tomato paste into the meat mixture, allowing it to caramelize and deepen the overall taste profile, creating a robust foundation for the dish.
- Stream beef broth and marinara sauce into the pot, creating a flavorful liquid base. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently add uncooked pasta shells. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and let the pasta simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once pasta reaches perfect tenderness, transform the dish into a luxurious creamy creation by folding in heavy cream and melting cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish before serving the dish piping hot.
Notes
- Perfectly Brown the Beef: Use a wide skillet to ensure the ground beef browns evenly without steaming, creating delicious caramelized flavor bits.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes for mild or fiery heat, tailoring the dish to personal spice preferences.
- Cheese Flexibility: Swap cheddar and Parmesan with alternatives like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular pasta shells with gluten-free shells or cauliflower rice to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 660
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg