Creamy Beef and Shells

**Creamy Beef and Shells: A Comforting, Hearty Meal for the Whole Family**

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying and hearty as a plate of **Creamy Beef and Shells**. This delicious meal combines tender ground beef, rich creamy sauce, and pasta shells to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or looking for a comforting meal after a long day, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this classic dish, highlight its benefits, and give you some tips for customizing it to your liking.

### **Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef and Shells**

Creamy Beef and Shells is a family-friendly dish that checks all the boxes: it’s comforting, filling, and full of flavor. Here’s why it’s a favorite in many homes:

– **Quick and Easy**: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.
– **Kid-Friendly**: With its mild flavor and creamy sauce, this dish is a hit with kids. The combination of pasta and beef is familiar and comforting, making it a meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
– **Customizable**: While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also versatile. You can add vegetables, swap the type of meat, or adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
– **One-Pot Wonder**: This recipe can be made in a single pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.

### **Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Shells**

The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients. Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen, making it a budget-friendly meal too.

#### **Ingredients**:
– **1 lb ground beef** (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
– **1 medium onion**, diced
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 cups beef broth** (or chicken broth)
– **1 cup heavy cream** (for that creamy texture)
– **8 oz pasta shells** (or any short pasta of your choice)
– **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese** (optional for extra cheesiness)
– **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **1 tbsp olive oil** (for cooking the beef)
– **1 tsp dried Italian seasoning** (for flavor)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **Fresh parsley** (optional, for garnish)

### **How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells**

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started with this simple, step-by-step recipe.

#### **Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the **pasta shells** and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, but it’s not necessary.

#### **Step 2: Brown the Beef**
While the pasta is cooking, heat a **large skillet** over medium heat and add the **olive oil**. Once the oil is hot, add the **ground beef** to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

#### **Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic**
Once the beef is browned, add the **diced onion** to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the **minced garlic** and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

#### **Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce**
To the skillet, add the **beef broth**, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any flavorful brown bits from the bottom. Next, pour in the **heavy cream** and stir to combine. Add the **Italian seasoning**, and season with **salt and pepper** to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

**Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce**
Once the sauce has thickened, add the **cooked pasta shells** into the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy beef sauce. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

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