Description
This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a quick and comforting meal featuring tender pasta shells tossed in a flavorful ground beef tomato sauce enriched with a touch of cream. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients for a delicious and hearty dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces medium uncooked shells
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium uncooked shells and cook them al dente according to the package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes, allowing it to soften and slightly brown for extra flavor.
- Brown Beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon until it is fully browned. If there is excess fat, spoon most of it out to keep the sauce from being greasy.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Pour in 1 (14 ounce) can of tomato sauce and 1/3 cup beef broth. Stir well and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly without drying out.
- Finish with Cream and Season: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy or whipping cream and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let the cream warm through gently over low heat.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Serve: Combine the drained pasta shells with the creamy beef sauce in the skillet or a large bowl. Toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately while hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta shells to accommodate dietary preferences.
- For a lower fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lactose-free alternative.
- If beef broth is unavailable, beef bouillon diluted in water makes a good substitute.
- Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end enhances the flavor and adds freshness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 481 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 687 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 91 mg
