Creamy Beef and Shells
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting dish that combines savory ground beef with tender shell pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe offers both simplicity and satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz medium shell pasta
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until well browned.
- Add Flavors: Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Create Sauce: Pour in beef broth and scrape any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Mix in cream cheese until melted and fully combined.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing until evenly coated with the creamy beef mixture.
- Serve Hot: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes.