Creamy Beef and Shells
Welcome to a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite: Creamy Beef and Shells! This comforting one-pan meal brings together hearty ground beef and tender pasta shells in a rich, creamy sauce that wraps around each bite, making it a delicious and satisfying option for dinner. The magic of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for a quick, delicious meal that the whole family will love, Creamy Beef and Shells fits the bill. Easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy, this recipe will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly and everyone asking for seconds.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
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
Gather all your ingredients for a seamless cooking experience.
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Stir in the Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
- Combine with Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring that they are well-coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Dish out the Creamy Beef and Shells while hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning for a delightful finish.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. If you want to make it vegetarian, try swapping the meat with mushrooms or a meat substitute.
- Optional Variations: Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
This is a generic image description for the recipe.
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Choose lean to reduce fat content.
- 8 oz medium pasta shells Cook until al dente.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth Using low-sodium helps control salt levels.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Preparation
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Cooking
- Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring that they are well-coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Dish out the Creamy Beef and Shells while hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning for a delightful finish.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also make it vegetarian by swapping the meat with mushrooms or a meat substitute. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.