Go Back
Kima

Easy Creamy Beef and Shells

This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a simple 30-minute dinner made with tender pasta shells, lean ground beef, tomato sauce, beef broth, and a touch of cream. It is budget-friendly, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells uncooked
Creamy Beef Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 14 ounces tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until al dente according to the package directions.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. It is okay if the onion browns slightly.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
  5. If there is a lot of excess fat in the pan, spoon most of it out.
  6. Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder.
  7. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
  8. Reduce the heat so the sauce gently simmers. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly without drying out.
  9. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Let the cream warm through for a minute or two.
  11. Drain the pasta shells and toss them with the creamy beef sauce until evenly coated.
  12. Serve immediately.

Notes

This 30-minute creamy beef and shells recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and comforting.
It serves 4 generous portions or 4 to 6 smaller portions, depending on appetite.
Let the sauce reduce slightly before adding the cream, but do not let it become dry.
Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.