Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Introduction

This creamy beef and shells dish combines tender ground beef with comforting pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that comes together quickly, 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. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Step 4: Stir in 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 until they are well-coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
• Add a handful of spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.

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 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, you can substitute medium shells with other short pasta like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately and combine them just before serving to keep the pasta from getting too soft. This works well for meal prep or entertaining.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 61 reviews

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe combines tender ground beef and perfectly cooked pasta shells in a rich, velvety cream sauce flavored with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. It’s an easy one-pan dish ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown Beef and Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
4. Incorporate Heavy Cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer quietly for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Fold the cooked pasta shells gently into the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated with the creamy beef sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve: Spoon the creamy beef and shells into serving dishes and garnish with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to change up the protein.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or peas for added color and nutrition.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta shells.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, shell pasta recipe, one-pan dinner, Italian seasoning beef, easy weeknight meal