Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Beef and Shells dish combines tender ground beef with tender pasta shells in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family 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.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells until well-coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or peas in step 4 for added color and nutrition.
- Use sharp Parmesan cheese as a garnish to enhance the creamy flavor.
Storage
Store any 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 beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, other pasta shapes like macaroni, penne, or rotini will work well and hold the creamy sauce effectively.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook the beef mixture and pasta separately, then combine and reheat 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
A comforting and creamy beef and pasta shells dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a rich, savory cream sauce with Italian herbs. This meal is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Simmer in broth and herbs: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the cream and thicken the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well-coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning if desired for a boost of herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
- You can add some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra richness.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy beef pasta, beef shells, Italian beef pasta, comfort food, creamy pasta sauce
