Description
This creamy beef and shells recipe is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and a rich creamy sauce infused with Italian seasoning. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
Liquid Ingredients and Seasoning
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the medium pasta shells. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef along with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, breaking the beef apart, until the meat is fully browned and the onions are translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Simmer with broth and seasoning: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and add the Italian seasoning. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the cream and thicken the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot: Spoon the creamy beef and shells onto plates or bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning if desired. Serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
- If you prefer more veggies, add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions.
- The dish can be prepared ahead and reheated gently; add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: creamy beef recipe, pasta shells, ground beef pasta, Italian seasoning beef pasta, creamy comfort food
