Description
A comforting and hearty Creamy Beef and Shells recipe featuring tender ground beef, medium pasta shells, and a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this one-pot dish combines savory beef, aromatic garlic and onion, rich beef broth, cheese, and Italian seasoning, delivering a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup and versatile customization options.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups medium pasta shells (uncooked)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked and slightly crisp. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta shells: Stir in beef broth, tomato paste or diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then add uncooked pasta shells. Cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in heavy cream or sour cream until combined. Mix in shredded cheese until melted and smooth, forming a rich, creamy sauce.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed. Let the dish rest for a few minutes off the heat to thicken the sauce and blend flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid an overly oily dish.
- Cook pasta uncovered and stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use sharp cheese to enhance sauce flavor and avoid blandness.
- Allow the dish to rest off heat for a few minutes so the sauce thickens nicely.
- Add salt and pepper gradually to prevent over-seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Creamy Beef and Shells, comfort food, ground beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta recipe
