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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe combines pasta, ground beef, and a rich sauce for a comforting dinner that's ready in 35 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: EVENING DINNERS
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz medium pasta shells choose shells for their ability to hold sauce perfectly
For the Meat Mixture
  • 1 lb ground beef feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil helps to prevent sticking and adds flavor
  • 1 onion (diced) offers a sweet, aromatic base for the dish
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) infuses the dish with a rich, savory aroma
For the Sauce
  • 15 oz tomato sauce opt for a marinara for added herbs
  • 1 cup heavy cream creates the luxurious creamy texture
For the Cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Colby-Jack) mix cheeses for more complexity
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt to taste, adjust according to preference
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper to taste, elevate with crushed red pepper for more heat if desired

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully cooked, around 5-7 minutes.
  3. Sauté the onion and garlic in the same skillet until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Mix in the tomato sauce along with the salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring well until combined.
  6. Combine the cooked pasta shells with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to ensure each shell is coated.
  7. Stir in the shredded cheese gradually, letting it melt into the sauce completely.
  8. Adjust the seasoning, adding extra salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a perfect Creamy Beef and Shells, cook the pasta just until al dente and drain excess fat from the ground beef.

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