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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight

This Creamy Beef and Shells dish is a comforting meal that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinners
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Mixture
  • 1 lb Ground beef
  • 1 Small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce and Pasta
  • 2 cups Beef broth
  • 1 cup Tomato sauce
  • 8 oz Medium pasta shells
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup Heavy cream
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and add the pound of ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef starts to brown and releases its savory aroma.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  3. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices.
  4. Add Liquids: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and the can of tomato sauce, stirring everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add Pasta Shells: Add the medium pasta shells to the skillet, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
  6. Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
  8. Add Cream: Pour in the ½ cup of heavy cream, stirring well to fully combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the creamy beef and shells with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream while retaining a rich flavor.

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