Print

Irresistible Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

5.3 from 23 reviews

A rich and comforting creamy beef and shells recipe that combines tender ground beef, al dente pasta shells, and a luscious creamy sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

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 the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Simmer with Broth and Seasoning: Add the low-sodium beef broth and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Add Cream and Thicken Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content of the dish.
  • Fresh Italian herbs like basil or oregano can be used instead of dried Italian seasoning.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should remain firm to avoid a mushy texture.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, beef and shells, easy dinner recipe, one skillet meal, Italian seasoning beef pasta