Creamy Beef and Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Families
Creamy Beef and Shells is a cozy, family-friendly comfort meal that comes together fast. Tender pasta shells are coated in a rich, creamy beef sauce that’s full of savory flavor but made with simple pantry staples. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet satisfying enough for a relaxed weekend dinner.
Ingredients
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1 lb lean ground beef
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8 oz medium pasta shells
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups low-sodium beef broth
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2 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
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Pour in the beef broth and add the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to build flavor.
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Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and gently toss until evenly coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning if desired.
Notes
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Extra creaminess: Add a small handful of grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
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Lighter option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream (the sauce will be slightly thinner).
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More flavor: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds a nice kick.
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Make it a meal: Serve with a green salad or garlic bread on the side.