Print

Creamy Shells and Beef Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 7 reviews

This creamy shells and beef recipe is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines the savory flavors of sautéed onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese into a deliciously creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes and yielding seven servings, it’s an easy and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Beef and Aromatics

  • 1 ½ pounds fresh extra lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup yellow or white onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce and Pasta

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups medium pasta shells (uncooked, about ½ of a 1-pound box)
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning mix
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions: In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the extra lean ground beef to the pot and cook over medium-high heat. Stir frequently and break apart the meat until it is fully browned and cooked through, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Combine Sauce, Pasta, and Water: Pour in the marinara sauce, add the uncooked pasta shells, and the water. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Cook Pasta: Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta begins to soften but is not fully cooked yet.
  6. Add Italian Seasoning and Cream: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning mix, reduce the heat to medium-low, and stir in the heavy cream or half and half to create a creamy sauce base.
  7. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the pasta is tender, about 5-7 minutes more.
  8. Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use extra lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.
  • Half and half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter creamy sauce.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as desired.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice salty depth and richness.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little extra water or broth to reach desired consistency.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

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