Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
One evening, I was craving something comforting but didn’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen. I had some ground beef and pasta shells in my pantry, so I thought I’d try making a creamy beef and shells dish. I added a few simple ingredients and ended up with a rich, creamy sauce that coated the pasta perfectly.Since then, this dish has become a family favorite. It’s quick to make, filling, and absolutely delicious. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with the tender beef and pasta, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to put together.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large pot for cooking the pasta
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for draining the pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the beef and sauce.Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy beef and shells!