Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. The combination of tender beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta shells makes for a rich, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a favorite. This easy recipe is quick to prepare and packed with savory flavors, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz large pasta shells (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the beef mixture:
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. - Add the vegetables and seasoning:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix well. - Make the creamy sauce:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. - Combine the pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce. - Add the cheese:
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta and stir until melted and creamy. - Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a dash of garlic powder or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you want the dish to be extra cheesy, add more mozzarella cheese to the top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired