Easy Creamy Beef and Pasta Shells Recipe

Creamy Beef and Pasta Shells is a comforting dish that combines tender pasta shells with a savory, creamy beef sauce. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. It’s rich in flavor, hearty, and can be customized with various ingredients to fit your preferences. In this recipe, we will walk through the steps to create a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone around the table.

Beef and pasta is a combination that’s been enjoyed by many for generations. The addition of creamy sauce takes it to another level, making it a perfect dish for those who enjoy comfort food. Easy Creamy Beef and Pasta Shells is an effortless yet indulgent meal that blends lean ground beef with a rich, velvety sauce, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. This dish is a blend of classic ingredients, including garlic, onion, tomatoes, and a creamy base made from cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by cooking the pasta shells according to the package directions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente (typically 9-11 minutes depending on the brand). Drain and set aside. It’s essential to cook the pasta a bit firmer than usual, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the beef if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

To the browned beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce becomes velvety and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the creamy sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta shells into the beef mixture. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and beef, stirring gently to combine everything. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up some of the creamy goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the creamy beef and pasta shells in individual bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added flavor.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is highly adaptable, and you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Add Vegetables: For a healthier twist, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic in Step 3.
• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicier flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the Parmesan for other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda for a different flavor profile. A mix of cheeses can make the sauce even more indulgent.
• Lean Proteins: You can substitute ground beef with leaner options like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
• Vegan/Vegetarian: To make this dish vegan, you can use plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and cream alternatives. Swap the ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans provide a healthy and colorful addition.
• Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned, roasted potatoes are another great side that adds texture to your meal.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will absorb some of the sauce and soften further when combined with the creamy beef mixture.
• Adjust the Creaminess: Feel free to add more cream or sour cream for a richer sauce, or use less for a lighter version.
• Let the Dish Rest: After combining the pasta and sauce, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the creamy beef and pasta shells ahead of time. Prepare the dish as usual, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze this dish? Yes, this dish freezes well. After preparing and cooling, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a bit of milk or broth to achieve the desired sauce consistency.

What type of beef should I use? You can use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) for a healthier version. However, feel free to use regular ground beef for a richer flavor or even ground turkey if you prefer a leaner alternative.

Conclusion

Easy Creamy Beef and Pasta Shells is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy evenings when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. With its creamy sauce, tender beef, and hearty pasta, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. It’s versatile, simple to make, and guaranteed to please both adults and kids alike. Whether you stick to the original recipe or get creative with variations, this meal is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Yield: 4

Easy Creamy Beef and Pasta Shells Recipe

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Creamy Beef and Pasta Shells is a comforting dish that combines tender pasta shells with a savory, creamy beef sauce. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. It's rich in flavor, hearty, and can be customized with various ingredients to fit your preferences. In this recipe, we will walk through the steps to create a satisfying meal that's sure to please everyone around the table.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz pasta shells
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Beef:
   In a large skillet or pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary.
   
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   Add the chopped onion to the pan with the beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and sour cream. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well-combined and heated through.
   
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta shells to the pan with the creamy beef mixture. Stir to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
   
6. Finish:
   Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
   
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Substitutes: You can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a leaner version.

Add Veggies: Consider adding vegetables like peas or spinach to the mix for added nutrition and color.

Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or your favorite seasoning to give it an extra kick.

Cheese: Feel free to use different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variety.