Description
This creamy beef and shells recipe combines tender ground beef with delicate pasta shells in a rich, savory cream sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Pasta
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
Seasonings
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so flavors meld and the broth slightly reduces.
- Incorporate cream: Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce cook gently for another 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes rich and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, making sure the pasta is fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this comforting one-pot meal!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but note the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- This dish can be reheated in the microwave or stovetop and tastes great as leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: creamy beef, pasta shells, ground beef recipe, Italian seasoning pasta, comfort food, quick dinner
