Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe combines tender ground beef with smooth, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked pasta shells. It’s a comforting and easy dish that comes together quickly, ideal for weeknight dinners.
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
- Step 1: Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Add beef broth and Italian seasoning to the skillet; simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 4: Stir in heavy cream and let the mixture simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until thickened.
- 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.
- Step 6: Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese when stirring in the heavy cream.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta shells to suit dietary needs.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added veggies and texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are al dente.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine and warm just before serving for best texture and flavor.
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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty pasta dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream and beef broth, seasoned with Italian herbs. Served with perfectly cooked pasta shells, this easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook 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 depending on package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Simmer with Broth and Seasoning: Add the low-sodium beef broth and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors and reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Thicken Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce until the pasta is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can add some grated Parmesan cheese at the end for extra umami flavor.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make a great garnish.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente works best to hold up in the creamy sauce.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, beef and shells, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, Italian seasoning, ground beef dinner
