Creamy Cheesy Beef Pasta Shells

Introduction

This dish combines tender pasta shells with juicy beef, smothered in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s easy to prepare yet tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.

Ingredients

For the pasta & beef:

• 1 lb (450 g) medium pasta shells
• 1 ½ lb (680 g) beef (sirloin, chuck, or ground beef) – cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional for sweetness & color)
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the cheese blend:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
• Cook pasta shells until al dente (slightly firm).
• Drain, toss with a little olive oil, and set aside.

1. Cook the Beef:

• Heat olive oil/butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add beef pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Sear until browned on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

1. Prepare the Base:

• In the same skillet, add onions and bell pepper. Sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
• Add garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.

1. Make the Sauce:

• Melt butter in the pan, sprinkle in flour, and whisk for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
• Gradually pour in beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
• Add cream and milk, stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
• Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.

1. Combine Everything:

• Return the beef to the skillet.
• Add cooked pasta shells and stir to coat evenly in the sauce.
• Sprinkle in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Mix until melted and creamy.

1. Serve:

• Transfer to a serving dish.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Tips & Variations

• Spicy kick: Add more chili flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Veggie boost: Mix in mushrooms, spinach, or peas.
• Extra creamy: Stir in 2 oz cream cheese with the sauce.
• Make it baked: Transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. 6 servings)

• Calories: ~560
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbs: 48 g
• Fat: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g Conclusion
  This Creamy Cheesy Beef Pasta Shells recipe is rich, comforting, and versatile. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, it’s a dish that pasta and cheese lovers will want to make again and again