Description
Comfort meets classic in this creamy beef and shells pasta masterpiece, where tender pasta shells cradle rich, seasoned ground beef in a velvety sauce. Hearty flavors meld perfectly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (12 oz) pasta shells
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Sauces:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta foundation by boiling salted water and cooking shell-shaped noodles until tender. Drain completely and reserve to the side.
- Initiate the protein preparation in a spacious skillet, warming olive oil over moderate heat. Introduce finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, sautéing until translucent and aromatic.
- Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, methodically fragmenting the meat with a wooden utensil. Cook thoroughly until achieving a rich, caramelized brown color and eliminating raw meat appearance.
- Transform the mixture into a luxurious sauce by gently blending cream of mushroom soup, savory beef broth, and velvety heavy cream. Allow the liquid to simmer, reducing slightly and developing deeper flavor complexity.
- Elevate the sauce’s richness by gradually melting sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan cheeses. Integrate dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to create a harmonious seasoning profile.
- Reunite the cooked pasta shells with the robust beef mixture, tenderly folding to ensure each pasta pocket becomes lavishly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Finalize the dish by warming the combined ingredients briefly, ensuring optimal temperature and sauce consistency. Optional garnish with fresh parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous touch before serving.
Notes
- Choose shell pasta with ridges to help the creamy sauce cling better, creating more flavorful bites in every spoonful.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and ensure the sauce stays rich and smooth.
- Consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version of this comfort food classic.
- Customize the dish by adding frozen mixed vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg