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A close-up of creamy beef and shell pasta served in a rustic white bowl. The dish features tender beef chunks coated in a rich, creamy sauce dotted with al dente pasta shells. Garnished with finely chopped parsley for a splash of color, the sauce has a glossy texture highlighting the hearty and indulgent nature of the dish.

Creamy Beef & Shells: Your New Go-To Weeknight Comfort Food!

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Creamy Beef & Shells is the perfect weeknight comfort food combining tender ground beef, rich creamy sauce, and savory pasta shells. Quick to prepare and filled with flavor, this dish is ideal for satisfying hungry appetites while providing a cozy, indulgent meal. Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a hearty, cheesy pasta dish, it can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs for an extra touch of flavor.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 2 cups pasta shells
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Additional vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms) – optional

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
  3. While beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Lower the heat in the skillet and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  6. Fold in cooked pasta shells, ensuring they are well coated with the creamy sauce.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream for a richer sauce.
  • Adjust seasoning; adding paprika or cayenne pepper provides a spicy kick.
  • Cook pasta shells al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • For a healthier variation, add more vegetables or substitute ground turkey for beef.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free option available

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximate)
  • Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg