Creamy Beef and Shells

Name: Creamy Beef and Shells
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

BY:

Emily Parker

January 21, 2025

Creamy beef and shells dish served in a bowl with melted cheese on top

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Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells is a delightful dish that combines the comfort of pasta with the savory goodness of beef. It’s a quick one-pan meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce envelops the shells, creating a satisfying and hearty dish that everyone will love. Plus, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes!

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

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

Directions:

Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Add beef broth and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until thickened.
Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells until well-coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

Serve Creamy Beef and Shells hot, right from the skillet. You can garnish with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning or freshly chopped herbs for added flavor. This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How to Store Creamy Beef and Shells

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore its creaminess.

Tips to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
Feel free to include vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by using different pasta shapes or adding your favorite vegetables. For a bit of a kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the pasta right before serving for the best texture.

2. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the beef and shells together. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

3. Can I use a different type of cream?
Heavy cream is best for a rich sauce, but you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be less thick.