BEEF PASTA SHELLS THE ULTIMATE COMFORT MEAL

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INTRODUCTION

If you want a dish that’s hearty, saucy, cheesy, and straight-up soul-hugging, these Beef Pasta Shells are it. Tender shell pasta catches every drop of the creamy, tomato-rich beef sauce — every bite is loaded. It’s simple, affordable, feeds the whole house, and tastes like something from a cozy family restaurant.

INGREDIENTS

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) medium pasta shells
  • Water + salt for boiling

For the Beef Sauce:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream OR whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS + METHODS

  1. ⁠1. Boil the Shells**
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente (they should still have a little bite).
  • Drain and set aside.
  1. Prepare the Beef Base**
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil.
  • Add diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant.
  • Add minced garlic — cook 30 seconds.
  • Add ground beef and break it up as it cooks.
  • Season with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes.
  • Cook until browned.

3. Build the Sauce

  • Stir in tomato paste; cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth.
  • Simmer on medium-low for 10 minutes.
  • Add heavy cream (or milk).
  • Let it gently bubble until thick and rich.

4. Add the Pasta

  • Add the cooked shells right into the sauce.
  • Toss very well so the shells are nicely coated.

5. Make It Cheesy

  • Stir in mozzarella until melted.
  • Add parmesan for extra richness.

6. Finish

  • Taste and adjust salt.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Serve hot and extra creamy.

FORMATION (STEP-BY-STEP BUILDING)

  1. Cook pasta
  2. Sauté onion + garlic
  3. Brown beef
  4. Season beef
  5. Add tomato paste
  6. Add crushed tomatoes + broth
  7. Simmer
  8. Add cream
  9. Add pasta
  10. Add cheese
  11. Stir until creamy
  12. Garnish and serve

This is your full formation process from start to finish.

HISTORY

Pasta shells originated in Italy (called conchiglie). They were designed to trap sauce inside their curved shape. Beef sauces with tomato became popular in Italian-American cooking because they were inexpensive, filling, and easy to stretch for big families. This dish is a modern comfort-food twist combining creamy sauce, cheese, and pasta shells.

BENEFITS

  • High-protein from the beef
  • Calcium-rich from mozzarella & parmesan
  • Energizing carbs from pasta
  • Budget-friendly family meal
  • Kid-approved and picky-eater safe
  • Perfect for leftovers
  • One-pan sauce = easy cleanup

LOVERS (WHO LOVES THIS DISH?)

  • Pasta lovers
  • Cheese lovers
  • Beef lovers
  • Teenagers
  • Busy parents
  • Anyone craving comfort food
  • People who love creamy tomato dishes

NUTRITION (Approx. Per Serving – 6 servings)

  • Calories: ~480
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 48g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Calcium: High
  • Iron: Good amount

(Exact numbers depend on brands and portion size.)

CONCLUSION

Beef Pasta Shells are cozy, creamy, and absolutely comforting. The shells trap the sauce perfectly, the beef adds richness, and the cheese ties everything together. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for a family gathering. A full, hearty, big recipe — just how you like it

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