Beef and Shells

Hearty Beef and Shells: A Comforting Classic 🍝

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting dinner that comes together quickly, look no further than this delightful Beef and Shells recipe. This dish combines tender pasta shells with a rich, savory beef sauce that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or simply craving something hearty, this recipe will hit the spot. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces medium uncooked shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1/3 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta shells and cook them al dente according to the package directions. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. 🍲
2. Sauté the Onion:
   While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion softens and begins to brown. A bit of browning adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish. 🧅
3. Cook the Beef:
   Next, add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, spoon most of it out to keep the dish from becoming greasy. 🍖
4. Make the Sauce:
   Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder, letting them cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes) and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Be careful not to let the sauce dry out. 🍅
5. Finish the Sauce:
   Once the sauce has thickened a bit, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary. Let the cream warm through for a minute or two, which will give the sauce a rich, velvety texture. 🍶
6. Combine and Serve:
   Finally, add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this dish. 🍽️

Quick and Easy Comfort Food

This Beef and Shells recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us—we’d love to see how your Beef and Shells turned out!

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