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A close-up of a creamy beef and shell pasta dish served in a rustic white bowl. The pasta shells are generously coated in a rich, creamy sauce with tender pieces of ground beef. The dish is garnished with freshly chopped parsley, adding a pop of green, and the background features a wooden table with a fork resting on the side, emphasizing a hearty, comforting meal.

Creamy Beef and Shells

  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Allergen-Free

Description

Creamy Beef and Shells is a delicious and comforting pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender shell pasta with a rich, creamy beef sauce, this recipe is an easy, flavorful meal everyone will love. Made with ground beef, cheese, and a luscious sauce, it’s a one-pot wonder that offers quick preparation and satisfying taste in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) of ground beef
  • 12 oz (340g) of shell pasta
  • 1 cup of heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. While beef cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  5. Return cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream or milk, and stir in shredded cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
  6. Add cooked shell pasta to the sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta with the creamy beef mixture.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For added flavor, consider sautéing mushrooms or spinach with the beef.
  • You can substitute the heavy cream with evaporated milk or coconut milk for a lighter version.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated gently.
  • Do not freeze as the sauce may separate upon thawing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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Find it online: https://recipeswonders.com/creamy-beef-and-shells/