Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender ground beef with pasta shells in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple yet full of flavor.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add beef broth and Italian seasoning to the skillet; bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells until they are well coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra Italian seasoning.

Tips & Variations

• For added freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini work well with this creamy sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating when reheating?

Reheat slowly over low heat and stir frequently. Adding a small amount of broth or cream while reheating helps maintain a smooth texture.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 73 reviews

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe combines tender ground beef with al dente pasta shells in a rich and luscious heavy cream sauce infused with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it offers a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Sauce

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

• 8 oz medium pasta shells

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Simmer with broth and seasoning: Add the low-sodium beef broth and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
4. Add the cream: Stir in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce until they are well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, garnished with an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning for added flavor and aroma.

Notes

• For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
• The cooking time for pasta may vary slightly depending on the brand; always check for al dente texture.
• Optional: Add grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving for extra richness.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, ground beef recipe, pasta shells recipe, easy dinner, comforting meal, Italian seasoning, one-skillet meal