- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 540 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- 2½ cups medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Kitchen Equipment
- Large deep skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium.
Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Mix in:
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Pour in:
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
Stir well.
Add the uncooked shell pasta.
Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Cover the skillet.
Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes until the pasta is tender.
Most of the liquid should be absorbed.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low.
Add:
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Cream cheese (optional)
Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and create a silky, creamy sauce.
Step 7: Finish
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.
Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips for the Best Creamy Beef Pasta
- Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue softening after the heat is turned off.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Version
Add diced jalapeños and extra red pepper flakes.
Bacon Lover’s Version
Mix in cooked crispy bacon before serving.
Mexican Style
Use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning and top with Monterey Jack cheese.
Mushroom Version
Add sliced mushrooms with the onions.
Extra Cheesy
Use mozzarella along with cheddar.
Healthier Version
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half and use lean ground turkey.
What to Serve With Creamy Beef Pasta
This hearty meal pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Green beans
- Steamed vegetables
- Dinner rolls
- Fresh garden salad
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Allow to cool completely before freezing.
Reheating
Microwave
Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.
Stovetop
Warm over low heat.
Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can brown the beef and chop the vegetables one day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This cuts the preparation time nearly in half.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Calcium: 320 mg
- Iron: 3.8 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.