Description
This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe combines tender pasta shells with a rich, flavorful meat sauce enhanced by a touch of cream. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s both budget-friendly and simple to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces medium uncooked shells
Sauce
- 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 & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the medium uncooked shells until al dente, following the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and slightly browned.
- Brown Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until thoroughly browned. If excess fat accumulates, spoon out most of it.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic and chili powder, cooking briefly until fragrant. Then add the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly but avoid drying out.
- Finish Sauce: Stir the heavy cream into the meat sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture warm through so the cream is fully incorporated.
- Toss and Serve: Combine the drained pasta shells with the creamy beef sauce, mixing thoroughly. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- This dish can be customized with your favorite pasta shapes, but medium shells work best to hold the creamy meat sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms during the sauté step for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For added spice, increase chili powder or add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
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
