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Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
- To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Meat Sauce
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) to taste.
- Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil for a burst of flavor and color.
Tips for Success
- Ground Beef Variations: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein like lentils or plant-based crumbles to suit your preferences.
- Extra Vegetables: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
- Make it Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some hot sauce over the top before serving.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts
This 30-minute creamy beef and shells recipe is the ultimate in comfort food—simple, satisfying, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that everyone will love. The rich, creamy sauce perfectly coats the pasta and beef, making it a hearty meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Next time you’re looking for a delicious, budget-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy, give this creamy beef and shells recipe a try. It’s bound to become a new family favorite!
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