Description
This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe offers a quick and comforting pasta dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, the combination of savory meat, flavorful spices, and creamy texture comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces medium uncooked shells
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and slightly browned.
- Brown the Beef: Add lean ground beef to the skillet with onions. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until fully browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Add Flavorings and Simmer: Stir in minced garlic and chili powder, then pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly but does not dry out.
- Finish with Cream and Combine: Stir in the heavy cream and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the cream to warm through, then toss the sauce with the cooked pasta shells. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a leaner version, use extra-lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.
- To increase the spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
