Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender beef, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta shells in a deliciously savory meal. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. With its creamy texture and hearty flavors, this dish is perfect for those cozy nights when you want something filling and satisfying.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta shells
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make the creamy sauce:
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Add cheese and seasonings:
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, letting the cheese melt into the sauce.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture:
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the shells in the creamy beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if preferred.
- If you want a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of broth or add a little extra cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg