Creamy Beef and Shells

Name: Creamy Beef and Shells
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 8 oz medium pasta shells; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

ava salmon

Published:

November 27, 2025

Creamy beef and shells dish served in a bowl with fresh herbs

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Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells is a delicious and filling dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a favorite among both kids and adults. It’s also easy to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll enjoy a hearty meal that warms the soul without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
8 oz medium pasta shells
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Add beef broth and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until thickened.
Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells until well-coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

Serve this dish hot, directly from the skillet. You can garnish it with extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like parsley to add a pop of color. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Beef and Shells

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter.
Feel free to add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer before adding the pasta shells.

Variation

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Additionally, experiment with different types of pasta like penne or fusilli based on your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to serve. Just be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so you might want to add a little more broth or cream when reheating.

2. Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

You can use whole wheat pasta and leaner meat options. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.

3. What can I serve with Creamy Beef and Shells?

This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to complete your meal.