Creamy Beef and Shells

Introduction:
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This pasta recipe combines ground beef, tender shell pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce for a delightful meal that everyone will love. With a blend of cheeses, spices, and flavors, it’s an easy yet delicious meal to prepare for the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups medium shell pasta
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Add Seasonings:
   • Season the beef mixture with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
5. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
   • Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Make it Creamy:
   • Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Combine Pasta and Cheese:
   • Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and mix until the shells are well-coated in the creamy sauce.
   • Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
8. Serve:
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

This creamy beef and shell dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!