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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells is a hearty, family-friendly meal that brings together tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, velvety sauce.
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Equipment

  • - Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • - Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Cutting board and knife (if adding extra veggies)

Ingredients
  

  • - 8 oz medium pasta shells
  • - 1 tablespoon olive oil optional if using lean meat
  • - 1 lb ground beef 85% lean recommended
  • - 1/2 cup diced onion
  • - 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning optional
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • - 1 cup tomato sauce
  • - 1 cup beef broth
  • - 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack
  • - Optional garnish: chopped parsley or grated Parmesan

Instructions
 

  • **Cook the pasta**
  • - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • - Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  • - Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the shells aside.
  • **Brown the beef**
  • - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil (if using).
  • - Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
  • - Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  • **Add garlic and seasonings**
  • - Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • - Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • **Stir in liquids**
  • - Reduce the heat to medium. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine.
  • - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce.
  • **Make it creamy**
  • - Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Let the sauce simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
  • - Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
  • **Combine with pasta and cheese**
  • - Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce.
  • - Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  • **Serve**
  • - Garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
  • - Serve hot with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.