Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, hearty pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender pasta shells are combined with savory ground beef in a rich, creamy tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. This recipe is simple to prepare yet full of satisfying flavors that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 medium sweet onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and flour over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Step 5: Gradually pour in the beef stock while stirring constantly, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
6. Step 6: Stir in the tomato sauce and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and mix in the heavy cream. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat through without boiling.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce, gently tossing to coat evenly. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce richness without sacrificing creaminess.
• Top with shredded Parmesan cheese or fresh basil before serving for added brightness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef stock or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use sautéed mushrooms and lentils to maintain a hearty texture.

What pasta can I use instead of shells?

Penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni work well as substitutes if you don’t have medium pasta shells available.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 147 reviews

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and rich heavy cream combined with perfectly cooked medium pasta shells. Infused with Italian seasoning and garlic, this hearty meal delivers perfect creamy texture and balanced flavors ideal for a satisfying family dinner.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells

Beef and Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 medium sweet onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics and beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
3. Season and thicken the sauce: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and all-purpose flour over the cooked beef mixture, stirring to combine and cook the flour for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
4. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the beef stock and tomato sauce, stirring to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for around 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Incorporate cream and pasta: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm: Once combined and heated through, remove from heat and serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Use medium pasta shells as they hold the creamy sauce well for an enjoyable texture.
• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, adding extra Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, noting the sauce will be lighter.
• To make ahead, prepare the sauce and beef mixture; cook pasta separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, pasta shells with beef sauce, Italian beef pasta, comfort food, one-pot pasta dish