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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells
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Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal that combines tender ground beef with perfectly cooked medium pasta shells in a rich, luscious creamy sauce. This family-friendly dish is quick to prepare, versatile for various dietary preferences, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 8 oz medium pasta shells (dry)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics and Brown Ground Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper as you cook.
  2. Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste (or diced tomatoes) and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes allowing the tomato paste to slightly caramelize and deepen the flavors.
  3. Incorporate Broth and Pasta Shells: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the dry medium pasta shells, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken and become creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish before serving to add a pop of color and fresh aroma.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to minimize excess grease that can dilute the sauce.
  • Cook pasta shells al dente to maintain texture when combined with the creamy sauce.
  • Simmer gently when adding cream to avoid curdling and achieve a smooth finish.
  • For best flavor and melting, grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-grated.
  • Reserve some fresh parsley to add just before serving to enhance aroma and presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, comfort food, one-pot meal, ground beef recipe, creamy pasta shells

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/creamy-beef-and-shells/