Description
Easy Creamy Beef and Shells is a simple, comforting, and budget-friendly meal featuring tender pasta shells tossed in a flavorful creamy beef sauce with a touch of chili powder and garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces medium uncooked shells
Beef Sauce
- 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 and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly for extra flavor.
- Brown Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned, about 5 minutes. If there is excess fat, spoon most of it out of the pan.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder. Cook briefly to release their aromas.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly but not dry out.
- Add Cream and Season: Stir the heavy cream into the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm through gently without boiling.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked, drained pasta shells with the creamy beef sauce. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and to reduce excess fat.
- The chili powder adds a light kick; adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer for a few extra minutes before adding cream.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter creamy texture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
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
