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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
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This Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is a comforting and delicious dinner option that combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with aromatic onion and garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is ideal for quick weeknight meals, offering hearty flavors and a satisfying, family-friendly dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Dairy

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

  • 8 ounces medium shell pasta

Produce and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Oils

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells directly into the creamy beef mixture. Stir gently to coat each shell evenly. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky and smooth.
  5. Serve Warm: Once heated through and combined, serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Brown the Beef Well: Caramelizing the meat adds deep, savory flavor to the dish.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep shells firm so they don’t get mushy in the sauce.
  • Use Fresh Cheese: For best melt and flavor, grate Parmesan fresh rather than using pre-grated.
  • Simmer Gently: A low simmer helps the sauce thicken without curdling the cream.
  • Season Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to balance flavors perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, beef shells recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal

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