Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Beef and Shells

Deliciously Easy Creamy Beef and Shells in 30 Minutes

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a quick, budget-friendly meal that warms the soul in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Medium uncooked shells Ideal for holding the creamy sauce
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Essential for sautéing; substitute with any neutral oil if necessary
  • 1 cup Chopped onion Offers sweetness and depth
  • 1 pound Lean ground beef Can be swapped with ground turkey or chicken
  • 2 cloves Minced garlic Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder works
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder Adjust to taste
  • 15 ounces Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes Crushed tomatoes give a chunkier texture
  • 1 cup Beef broth For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Heavy/whipping cream Half-and-half is a lighter alternative
  • to taste Salt & pepper Essential for seasoning

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the medium uncooked shells and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until golden and translucent.
  3. Add the lean ground beef and break apart with a spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the mixture and stir well. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 4-5 minutes until thickened.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to achieve a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add the cooked pasta shells back into the skillet, tossing to coat with the creamy sauce. Cook for another minute over low heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs when serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!