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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
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A quick and comforting Creamy Beef and Shells recipe combining tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners and can be easily customized to suit various dietary needs and preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 8 oz medium pasta shells
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, developing a hearty beef flavor.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onions turn translucent and fragrant to build a savory base.
  3. Cook the Pasta Shells: Meanwhile, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, keeping them slightly undercooked for better sauce absorption.
  4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells directly into the creamy beef sauce. Toss carefully to coat the shells evenly and allow the sauce and cheese to meld together.
  6. Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and gooey. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and onions to enhance the depth of flavor.
  • Slightly undercook pasta shells to allow better absorption of the sauce.
  • Simmer sauce gently to prevent cream from curdling and ensure smoothness.
  • Mix sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a perfect balance of tang and stretchiness.
  • Season gradually, tasting as you go to achieve perfect flavor balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef shells, quick dinner, ground beef pasta, comfort food, cheesy pasta, weeknight meal, easy recipe, family favorite

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