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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells

A delightful comfort food that unites tender pasta shells with a rich, velvety beef sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients for a satisfying family meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 8 oz medium pasta shells
  • 1 cup heavy cream fresh
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • large skillet
  • Spatula
  • colander

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add beef broth and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and let the mixture simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells until well-coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning if desired.

Notes

Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for best results. Do not overcook the pasta. Al dente texture allows it to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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