If you’re looking for a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner, Creamy Beef and Shells is the recipe you need. The hearty beef, tender pasta shells, and creamy sauce come together to make a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s easy to prepare, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This creamy beef and shells dish is everything you crave in comfort food: savory ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a silky smooth sauce that brings it all together. The creaminess of the sauce perfectly balances the richness of the beef, and with a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients
You’ll need ground beef, pasta shells, heavy cream, beef broth, garlic, onion, cheddar cheese, and a few seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Full list of ingredients is at the bottom of the recipe!
Directions
- Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the beef mixture and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add in the cooked pasta shells, tossing gently to combine. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra creaminess: Add a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce for a richer, smoother texture.
- Add veggies: You can toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Beef swap: If you prefer a leaner option, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese variety: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella, parmesan, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.
- Pasta alternatives: If you don’t have shell pasta on hand, feel free to use penne, rotini, or any other pasta shape.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this creamy beef and shells with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed veggies or a light soup if you’re looking for a more balanced dinner. A glass of red wine or iced tea would complement this dish perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or beef broth to loosen up the sauce if necessary. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to a day before adding the pasta. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to assemble and serve.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the creamy beef mixture without the pasta. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the beef mixture and add freshly cooked pasta.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Definitely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni.
What can I serve with this?
This dish pairs well with simple sides like roasted vegetables, a Caesar salad, or a slice of crusty bread.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory beef. It’s a simple, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or whenever you’re craving something satisfying and delicious. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Print
Creamy Beef and Shells
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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