Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, one-pan meal combining tender ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and tender pasta shells all simmered together in a creamy cheesy broth. This hearty dish melds the savory depth of Italian seasoning and garlic with rich cheddar cheese and heavy cream for a satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 1/2 cups medium pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it starts to brown, ensuring it gets a good sear for optimal flavor.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the beef and onion mixture, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add liquids: Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients, creating a flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta.
- Add pasta shells: Stir in the medium pasta shells, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid to ensure proper cooking.
- Simmer covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low to cook the pasta evenly.
- Cook pasta: Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to check tenderness of the pasta shells.
- Add cheddar cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy and cheesy texture throughout the dish.
- Incorporate heavy cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine, adding a rich creaminess that enhances the overall flavor.
- Final simmer: Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly and blend the flavors together.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top as a fresh garnish and enjoy this comforting creamy beef and shells meal.
Notes
- Use medium pasta shells or a similar medium-sized pasta to ensure it cooks evenly in the sauce.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet bottom.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but note it may affect richness.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during step 2 for added nutrition and flavor.
