Creamy Beef and Shells

Here’s a comforting and delicious recipe for Creamy Beef and Shells:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 2 cups medium pasta shells
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Add diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Seasonings and Sauce:
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Make it Creamy:
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, cooking until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
   • Add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan (if using), stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Combine:
   • Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss until the pasta is coated in the creamy beef sauce.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Beef and Shells for a satisfying and easy meal!