Beef and Shells Recipe

Introduction

This comforting Beef and Shells dish combines tender ground beef with creamy, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked pasta shells. It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

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 onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add beef broth and Italian seasoning to the skillet, then simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
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, ensuring they’re well-coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For added richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less thick.
• Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the onion for extra veggies.
• Use fresh Italian herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce 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 substitute medium pasta shells with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the beef and sauce in advance and refrigerate separately from the pasta. Combine and warm before serving for the best texture.

Beef and Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 84 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and creamy Beef and Shells recipe featuring lean ground beef simmered in a flavorful sauce with heavy cream and Italian seasoning, served over tender medium pasta shells.

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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
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream

Pasta

• 8 oz medium pasta shells

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the medium pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside to be added later.
2. Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef along with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, then drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Simmer Beef Mixture: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and add Italian seasoning. Stir well and let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells, making sure each shell is well coated with the creamy beef sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve: Serve the Beef and Shells hot, optionally garnished with extra Italian seasoning for added aroma and flavor.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Low-sodium beef broth helps control saltiness; season carefully at the end.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based alternative.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: beef and shells, creamy beef pasta, ground beef recipe, pasta shells, Italian seasoning pasta