Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender ground beef with pasta shells in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple to prepare and packed with savory flavors.
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 any excess fat.
- Step 3: Add beef broth and Italian seasoning to the skillet; simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells until they are well coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 6: Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For added freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving.
- Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a less rich sauce.
- Adding a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce can enhance the flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of 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, other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini work well in this recipe and hold the sauce nicely.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the cream and combine when reheating.
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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, hearty dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a savory cream sauce with Italian seasoning, combined with perfectly cooked pasta shells. This easy-to-make skillet meal balances rich flavors with simple ingredients, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked and the onions are softened, approximately 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Simmer with Broth and Seasoning: Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth and sprinkle 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add Heavy Cream and Thicken Sauce: Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Continue to simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become creamy while stirring occasionally.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each pasta shell is well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper seasoning as desired.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy beef and shells onto plates or into bowls while hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly minced garlic and finely chopped onions for the best flavor.
- To add extra veggies, consider stirring in chopped spinach or mushrooms when adding the beef broth.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few minutes longer before adding pasta.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, ground beef recipe, pasta shells recipe, Italian seasoning, easy dinner, one-pan meal
