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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender ground beef and al dente pasta shells enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. This easy-to-make skillet meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines the flavors of a classic beef ragout with the indulgence of heavy cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and 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
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

  • 8 oz medium pasta shells

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Simmer with Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
  4. Add Cream and Thicken Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, making sure the pasta is evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Dish out the creamy beef and shells hot, optionally garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning for added aroma and flavor.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish lighter.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
  • For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free pasta shells.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Keywords: beef pasta, creamy beef shells, Italian seasoning pasta, easy skillet dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/creamy-beef-and-shells-recipe-2/