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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta shells are used)

Description

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal combining tender ground beef with pasta shells in a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and beef broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, offering cheesy, meaty flavors that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 8 ounces small pasta shells
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta shells. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. This step ensures the pasta is perfectly tender and ready to soak up the sauce.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and no longer pink. This develops deep flavors and creates a savory foundation for the dish.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, infusing the dish with aromatic goodness.
  4. Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Lower the heat and simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a luscious consistency.
  5. Add Cheese and Pasta: Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Finally, fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy mixture, coating each shell in cheesy, beefy goodness.
  6. Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste. Serve hot as a satisfying, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone around the table.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking in the sauce to avoid mushiness.
  • Use fresh shredded cheddar cheese for smoother melting.
  • Deglaze the pan after browning beef with a splash of broth or water for extra flavor.
  • Adjust cream and broth ratio to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to deepen.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: creamy beef shells, one-pot meal, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, family-friendly, quick meal

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