Description
This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a comforting, quick, and budget-friendly meal featuring tender pasta shells tossed in a flavorful and creamy ground beef sauce with a hint of chili powder and garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces medium uncooked shells
Sauce and Meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water for your pasta shells and cook them al dente following the package directions. Drain and set aside once done.
- Sauté the Onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, allowing it to brown slightly for extra flavor.
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. If the beef releases excess fat, spoon out most of it from the pan.
- Add Flavorings and Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring well. Reduce the heat to gently simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly but not dry out.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Warm through gently, making sure the cream is fully incorporated.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the drained pasta shells with the creamy beef sauce until well coated. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauté step for more nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer spicier, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat, but you can also try ground turkey or chicken for variation.
- This recipe is best served fresh but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 481 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 687 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 91 mg
