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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 11 reviews

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender ground beef, al dente pasta shells, and a rich, creamy sauce flavored with Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe balances the robust flavors of beef with the smoothness of a creamy sauce, creating a dish that’s both simple and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Pasta

  • 8 oz medium pasta shells

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 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 9-11 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 frequently, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Simmer with Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and add Italian seasoning. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Add Cream and Thicken Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring all pasta is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less thick.
  • Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
  • This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef shell pasta, beef and shells, creamy pasta recipe, Italian beef pasta, one-pan dinner, comfort food

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