By Amber Salinas
Creamy Beef and Shells
7 steps
Prep:10minCook:40min
A one-pan, Hamburger Helper–style pasta with ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, and cream, finished with sharp cheddar and fresh chives.
Updated at: Mon, 08 Jun 2026 22:19:40 GMT
Nutrition balance score
Unbalanced
Glycemic Index
52
Low
Glycemic Load
32
High
Nutrition per serving
Calories731.5 kcal (37%)
Total Fat39.7 g (57%)
Carbs61.6 g (24%)
Sugars4.9 g (5%)
Protein30.6 g (61%)
Sodium766.6 mg (38%)
Fiber3 g (11%)
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Ingredients
6 servings
1 Tbspolive oil
1yellow onion
diced
6 clovesgarlic
minced, to taste
1 tspred pepper flakes
to taste
1 tspitalian seasoning
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
1 tspsmoked paprika
to taste, can substitute regular paprika
1 lbground beef
2 Tbsptomato paste
3 cupsbeef broth
1 cupheavy cream
1 lbpasta shells
medium, uncooked
4 ozsharp cheddar cheese
freshly shredded, plus more for topping
fresh chives
for garnish
Instructions
Step 1
In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for a few minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 2
Add the ground beef and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Break up with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink.
Step 3
Once the beef is cooked through, make a small well in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste. Let it cook in the pan for a couple minutes before stirring everything together.
Step 4
Pour in the beef broth and cream; season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a low boil.
Step 5
Reduce heat to low. Add the uncooked pasta shells and stir. Simmer, uncovered, for 16–17 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
Step 6
Sprinkle in the cheddar cheese, stir, and taste for seasonings.
Step 7
Top with extra cheese and garnish with fresh chives. Enjoy!
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