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Cheesy Pasta Shells with Creamy Beef Sauce

A spoonful of Cheesy Pasta Shells with Creamy Beef Sauce showing extreme cheese pull from the bowl.
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A straightforward recipe for pasta shells mixed with a rich ground beef sauce, finished with plenty of melted cheese for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound pasta shells (conchiglie)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese, stirring constantly until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
  6. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the shells evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
  7. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
  9. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute heavy cream for half of the beef broth.
  • You can add 1/2 cup of frozen peas or chopped mushrooms with the onion for extra vegetables.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce before baking, let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5 minutes after adding the cream cheese.

Nutrition

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