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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells – Comforting Dinner in Just 30 Minutes

Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick, comforting dinner that combines hearty pasta shells with a rich sauce, perfect for family meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Medium Pasta Shells can substitute with elbow macaroni or rotini
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef for vegan option, substitute with plant-based ground beef or lentils
  • 1/2 medium Onion yellow or white onions work beautifully
  • 3 cloves Garlic fresh is ideal, but powdered can work in a pinch
  • 24 ounces Creamy Tomato Sauce use store-bought or homemade, or substitute with cashew cream for vegan
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning can use dried oregano and basil mix
  • to taste Salt & Pepper essential for seasoning
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup Vegetables e.g., spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini
  • 1 cup Cheese e.g., shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking an additional 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent.
  3. Create Sauce: Lower heat and add creamy tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Fold in cooked pasta shells into the sauce, mixing until well-coated for about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Serve: Heat through for another 2 minutes and serve the dish, garnishing with herbs or cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Perfect for a cozy dinner night! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

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