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Creamy Beef and Shells 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/creamy-beef-and-shells-recipe/