Easy Creamy Beef and Shells 

Easy Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, one pan pasta dish that combines tender shell pasta with a rich, creamy beef sauce. It's a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The creamy sauce, infused with savory beef and melted cheese, envelops each shell, making every bite a delightful experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 oz medium pasta shells

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ medium onion, chopped

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• ⅓ cup beef broth

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onion. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

4. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.

6. Incorporate the Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly with the creamy beef sauce. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted and well combined.

8. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 481 kcal

• Protein: 34 g

• Fat: 16 g

  • Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 91 mg

• Carbohydrates: 50 g

  • Fiber: 4 g

  • Sugars: 6 g

• Sodium: 687 mg

• Potassium: 899 mg

• Vitamin A: 797 IU

• Vitamin C: 8 mg

• Calcium: 48 mg

• Iron: 5 mg