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The Ultimate 30-Minute Creamy Beef and Shells


  • Author: lyala-o
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A cozy, satisfying dish that’s quick enough for busy weeknights, featuring creamy beef and small pasta shells.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 8 ounces small pasta shells
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or your favorite blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, adding the chopped onion and minced garlic for flavor. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add broth and pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add in the small pasta shells and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes—make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Create the creamy sauce: Once the pasta is cooked and has absorbed most of the broth, stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for a couple more minutes. The sauce will thicken, creating a luscious coating for the pasta.
  4. Cheesy finish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Plate it up and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color. This dish is perfect for the family or for impressing guests!

Notes

If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef. Feel free to play around with different kinds of cheeses or add vegetables for extra nutrition.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: creamy beef, pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, family recipe