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Delicious Recipe

Delicious Recipe

5 from 28 reviews

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender ground beef and pasta shells coated in a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream and savory beef broth. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and filling.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Pasta

  • 8 oz medium pasta shells

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
  2. Brown Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through and the onions are translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Simmer with Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Add Heavy Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a creamy consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce, ensuring the shells are well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning for added flavor and aroma.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat thoroughly after browning the beef to keep the dish from being greasy.
  • Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness and keep the flavor balanced.
  • For a lighter variation, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream but the sauce will be less thick.
  • Add some grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving for an extra cheesy touch.
  • This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef and shells, beef pasta recipe, creamy pasta dinner, ground beef pasta, easy weeknight meal