Creamy Beef and Shells
Welcome to a comforting dish that has become a family favorite—Creamy Beef and Shells! This delightful recipe combines succulent ground beef with al dente pasta shells enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining friends, this dish comes together in a breeze, making it an ideal option for those looking for a satisfying meal without the fuss.
What makes Creamy Beef and Shells truly special is its versatility; it’s a wonderful canvas for customization. You can add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Rich, creamy, and oh-so-comforting, this dish will soon become a staple in your household, leaving everyone asking for seconds!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here are the key ingredients you’ll need for this delicious meal.
Directions
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Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
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Simmer with broth: Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Add cream: Stir in the heavy cream and lower the heat. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Combine: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef mixture until each shell is well-coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning for a touch of color and added flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Optional variations: Add in some spinach or peas to the beef mixture for a burst of color and added nutrition. For a spicier kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes!
- Storage or reheating tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
- Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the heavy cream and lower the heat. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef mixture until each shell is well-coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning for a touch of color and added flavor.
