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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells
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Creamy Beef and Shells is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, al dente pasta shells, and a luscious creamy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and satisfies the whole family with its rich, mild flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Pasta

  • 8 oz small pasta shells (medium or small shells recommended)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Italian blend)

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish balanced.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, to build a savory base for the sauce.
  3. Add seasonings and liquids: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a low simmer.
  4. Cook the pasta shells: Add the uncooked pasta shells directly to the sauce. Cover and let them cook in the liquid until tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Melt in the cheese: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

  • Choose medium or small pasta shells for best sauce absorption and even cooking.
  • Let the pasta cook slowly in the sauce for rich flavor and creamy texture.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for vibrant flavor over pre-minced or powdered garlic.
  • Reserve some pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning to maintain creaminess.
  • Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta shells during and after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Beef and Shells, quick dinner, one pot meal, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta recipe, family friendly dinner

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