Description
This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe combines tender pasta shells with a flavorful ground beef and tomato sauce, enriched with a touch of cream for a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces medium uncooked shells
Beef Sauce
- 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, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the shells al dente following the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and slightly browned.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic and chili powder, cooking briefly until fragrant. Then, pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook the sauce for 4-5 minutes to reduce slightly without drying out.
- Add Cream and Season: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the cream to warm through.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta shells with the creamy beef sauce. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish lighter.
- If desired, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- For more spice, add additional chili powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef for a less greasy sauce.
- Feel free to add grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 481 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 687 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 91 mg
