Spicy Cheesy Beef Shell Pasta (One-Pan Comfort Style)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz shell pasta
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion (diced)
• 8 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 15 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can)
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook shell pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water, then drain.

2. 2

   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and brown the ground beef until deeply seared.

3. 3

   Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking 1 minute.

5. 5

   Season with smoked paprika, chili flakes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

6. 6

   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

7. 7

   Stir in the heavy cream and milk, bringing to a gentle simmer.

8. 8

   Add the butter for richness.

9. 9

   Add the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is thick, creamy, and glossy. Loosen with a splash of pasta water if needed.

10. 10

    Add the shell pasta and toss until every shell is heavily coated and fully mixed with the beef.

11. 11

    Stir in the fresh parsley.

12. 12

    Serve hot with extra cheese on top.

Notes

Loosen the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water if it becomes too thick after adding the cheeses.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• beef
• cheesy
• comfort food
• one-pan
• spicy