Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender ground beef mixed with tender pasta shells in a rich, creamy sauce makes for an easy and satisfying meal.

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.
4. Step 4: Stir in heavy cream and let it 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

• For extra flavor, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese when stirring in the cream.
• Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different taste.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top for a bright finish.

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 cream or broth if the sauce 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, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle works well in this recipe.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can freeze it, but the texture of the cream sauce and pasta may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze before combining the pasta with the sauce and mix just before serving.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 589 reviews

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty pasta dish featuring tender ground beef and medium pasta shells simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Italian seasoning. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

• 8 oz medium pasta shells

Liquids and Seasonings

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the medium pasta shells. Cook until al dente, according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
2. Brown Beef and Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef, finely chopped yellow onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Simmer with Broth and Seasoning: Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth and add 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Add Cream and Thicken Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Continue to simmer the sauce on low heat for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce until the pasta is fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the salt content of the dish.
• You can add freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and garnish.
• Make sure to drain the cooked pasta well to avoid a watery sauce.
• This recipe can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, beef and shells, creamy beef pasta shells, easy ground beef pasta, weeknight pasta recipe