Description
Tender pasta shells coated in a creamy, cheesy beef sauce with garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s like a cozy cross between hamburger helper and a creamy pasta—perfect for busy weeknights.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
🔹 Main
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups medium pasta shells
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
🔹 Sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🔹 Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
🔹 Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup cream cheese (extra creamy)
- 1 cup spinach or peas
- Fresh parsley for garnish
🍳 Equipment
- Large deep skillet or pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat pot over medium heat
- Add ground beef and cook until browned
- Break it up as it cooks
- Drain excess fat if needed
🔸 Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Add chopped onion
- Cook 3–4 minutes until soft
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds
🔸 Step 3: Build the Base
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes
- Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Stir well
🔸 Step 4: Add Pasta
- Stir in dry pasta shells
- Bring to a boil
🔸 Step 5: Simmer
- Reduce heat to low
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Pasta should be tender and liquid mostly absorbed
🔸 Step 6: Make It Creamy
- Stir in milk or cream
- Add shredded cheese
- Mix until melted and smooth
👉 Optional: Add cream cheese here for extra richness
🔸 Step 7: Finish & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning
- Garnish with parsley
- Serve hot
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with garlic bread
- Pair with a simple green salad
- Add roasted vegetables on the side
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting
✔ Don’t overcook pasta—it continues softening in sauce
✔ Adjust thickness with extra broth or milk
🔄 Variations
🧀 Extra Cheesy
Add mozzarella or parmesan
🌶️ Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or hot sauce
🥦 Veggie Boost
Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach
🥛 Lighter Version
Use low-fat milk and reduce cheese
❓ FAQs
Can I use another pasta?
Yes—penne or rotini works well.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but add a splash of milk when reheating.
Can I freeze it?
Cream-based sauces can separate slightly, but it’s still fine to eat.
⚖️ Approx. Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450–550
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbs: ~35g
- Fat: ~25g