Indulging in a warm, creamy dish can bring a sense of comfort like no other. Creamy beef and shells is a delicious fusion of tender pasta and savory beef, taking just around 30 minutes to prepare. The magic lies in the combination of fresh ingredients simmered together to create an irresistible sauce that envelops every bite of pasta.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. You can even prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat the dish for a quick meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The creamy texture of the sauce perfectly complements the tender pasta shells.
- It comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Made in one skillet, which means less cleanup afterward.
- The rich flavor is achieved with simple, everyday ingredients.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful dish.
For the Pasta
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- Salt for boiling water
For the Beef Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 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
For the Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
You may substitute lean ground beef with turkey for a lighter option.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey.
- Heavy cream may be swapped for half-and-half.
- Low-sodium beef broth can be exchanged for vegetable broth.
- Fresh garlic can be substituted with garlic powder.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to create your creamy beef and shells.
Cook the pasta
Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Add broth and season
Add beef broth and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir in cream
Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until thickened.
Fold in pasta
Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells until well-coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot
Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: No, the cream may separate.
Reheat: Heat in a skillet on medium for 6-8 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Make sure to drain the fat from the beef to prevent the dish from being greasy.
- Simmer the sauce just long enough to thicken; avoid overcooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with garlic bread for the ultimate comfort dinner.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine for a special occasion.
