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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells is the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender pasta shells in a rich and velvety beef sauce that’s sure to warm your heart.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz medium shell pasta
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes for al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside, remembering to reserve a bit of the pasta water for later.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the browned beef, sautéing until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Add the heavy cream, stirring until fully incorporated.
  5. Gradually stir in the shredded cheese and Italian seasoning, allowing it to melt, about 2–3 minutes.
  6. Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef mixture, adding pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Excellent when paired with salads or garlic bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef, comfort food, pasta, family meal, beef stroganoff, easy recipe