Creamy Beef and Shells

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup shell pasta
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-6 minutes.
6. Add the beef broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
8. Stir in the cooked shell pasta, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, and top with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
10. Bake the Creamy Beef and Shells in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.