Easy Creamy Beef and Shells
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
481 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Creamy Beef and Shells
Description
This recipe calls for cooking shell pasta al dente, which provides a tender base with hollows that capture the sauce well. Ground beef is browned with chopped onion and minced garlic to build a flavorful meat mixture. Chili powder adds a mild warmth and complexity. Tomato sauce and beef broth together create a balanced savory base, simmered to concentrate flavors while maintaining moisture.
A splash of heavy cream is stirred in at the end for smooth richness and a creamy texture that softens acidity from the tomato. Salt and black pepper adjust seasoning to taste. The pasta is then combined with the sauce and served immediately for best texture and flavor.
This dish serves 4 to 6 people depending on appetite and can be accompanied as a simple standalone meal or with side vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces shell pasta medium, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (14 ounce) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, canned
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil water for your pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet, sauté the onion in the olive oil for 5 minutes over medium heat (ok if it browns a little).
- Add the beef to the pan and cook it until it's browned, breaking it up with your spoon as you go along (about 5 minutes). If there's a lot of excess fat, spoon most of it out.
- Stir in the garlic and chili powder, then add the tomato sauce and beef broth. Give it a good stir and cook it for 4-5 minutes or so (reduce the heat so it's gently simmering). The sauce should reduce a bit, but don't let it go dry.
- Stir in the cream and season with salt & pepper as needed. Let the cream warm through and then toss with the drained pasta shells. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes.
- Be sure to drain pasta well but keep it hot when mixing with the sauce.
- If desired, you can adjust the amount of chili powder for less or more spice.
- Removing excess fat from cooked beef helps prevent an overly greasy sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 481 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 481kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 687mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 899mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 797IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 48mg | 5% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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