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The Ultimate 30-Minute Creamy Beef and Shells


  • Author: dana-r
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A quick and indulgent creamy beef and shell pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups medium shell pasta
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add Cheese and Pasta: Once simmering, reduce heat to low and stir in the cheese until melted. Gradually add the cooked shell pasta to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure every piece is coated in that creamy goodness.
  6. Season and Serve: Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize with vegetables or different cheese options.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: creamy beef shells, quick dinner, comfort food, pasta recipe, beef recipe