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Creamy beef and shells dish served in a bowl with herbs

Creamy Beef and Shells

This comforting and creamy pasta dish features hearty beef and tender pasta shells enveloped in a velvety sauce, perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Ground beef from Aldi or Trader Joe’s is economical.
  • 8 oz medium pasta shells Trader Joe’s has reliable options.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a rich and creamy sauce.
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth Use low-sodium to prevent excess salt.
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Beef and Sauce
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add beef broth and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until thickened.
  4. Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells until well-coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning.

Notes

For a silkier finish, consider stirring in a knob of butter at the end. This dish can be made ahead; keep pasta and sauce separate until reheating.