Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender pasta shells with a savory beef sauce. The creamy, cheesy base of this pasta dish creates a rich, luscious sauce that coats each shell, while ground beef adds hearty protein, and a few spices bring warmth and depth to the dish. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight meal but so delicious it can easily become a family favorite.

Here’s everything you need to know to make this crowd-pleaser, from choosing ingredients to adding unique variations. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to cooking, this recipe is straightforward, with tips and techniques that’ll make it come out perfect every time.

Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings at home. This dish is loved for its rich, flavorful sauce that wraps around tender pasta shells, and it’s a fantastic way to elevate simple ground beef into something extraordinary. The creamy sauce balances well with the beef and pasta, giving every bite a delicious mix of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s an affordable, easy meal that can feed the whole family.

Preparation Tips

1. Choosing the Pasta: Small pasta shells work best in this recipe as they hold the creamy sauce beautifully. However, you can also use penne, rotini, or even macaroni if that’s what you have on hand.
2. Using Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the sauce. Draining any excess fat will help keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
3. Creamy Cheese Combination: Cream cheese is essential for a thick, rich sauce, while cheddar adds a nice cheesy flavor. You can adjust the amounts based on your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce if needed, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the beef aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Base

1. Add the tomato paste to the skillet, stirring it into the onions and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the paste slightly.
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly and develop flavors.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
2. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine the Beef, Pasta, and Sauce

1. Return the browned ground beef to the skillet, stirring it into the creamy tomato sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, gently tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated with sauce.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top (if using), allowing it to melt into the sauce for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Beef and Shells pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread, a fresh side salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The rich sauce complements the simplicity of these side dishes, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

1. Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze: This dish can be frozen in individual portions for up to 2 months. However, cream-based sauces may separate slightly upon reheating, so stirring in a splash of cream can help revive the consistency.
3. Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth as needed to keep the sauce creamy.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and color.
2. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a little kick.
3. Cheesy Variation: Mix in mozzarella or gouda for a creamier, cheesier sauce.
4. Swap Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes! Simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and make sure the beef broth you use is also gluten-free.
2. Is there a lighter version of this dish?
   • You can use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. Ground turkey also works as a lighter alternative to beef.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   • Yes, this dish can be made a day ahead and reheated. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a great option for meal prep.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Balance the Seasoning: Since both cheese and tomato paste can add saltiness, adjust the salt gradually to avoid oversalting.
2. Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the pasta shells to al dente so they hold up well when mixed with the sauce.
3. Creamy Consistency: For an extra creamy texture, add a little more cream or cheese to reach your desired level of richness.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Creamy Beef and Shells is a recipe that’s both nostalgic and satisfying, with a sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. It’s perfect for nights when you’re craving something rich but need it on the table quickly. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can add or substitute ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. This dish appeals to all ages and is sure to be a repeat request in your household.

Conclusion

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is an easy, delicious way to bring comfort food to the table without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy sauce, hearty ground beef, and tender pasta shells is simply irresistible. It’s a one-skillet meal that satisfies and makes cleanup a breeze.

Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe will surely become a favorite. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this beef and shells dish, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again.

Yield: 4

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

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Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender pasta shells with a savory beef sauce. The creamy, cheesy base of this pasta dish creates a rich, luscious sauce that coats each shell, while ground beef adds hearty protein, and a few spices bring warmth and depth to the dish. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight meal but so delicious it can easily become a family favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Make the Sauce:
   Add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine, then let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   
4. Add the Cream and Cheese:
   Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
   
5. Combine with Pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, stirring to coat them well in the creamy beef sauce.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Variations: You can add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: For a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.