Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

There's something magical about a bowl of Creamy Beef and Shells—it's the ultimate comfort food. Imagine tender pasta shells coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce, paired with perfectly seasoned ground beef. The combination is hearty, satisfying, and downright irresistible.

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe during a busy week when I needed a quick, one-pot dinner that would please the whole family. It’s now a go-to favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or even cozy weekend dinners. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your meal rotation.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Beef and Shells

Get ready to embrace your new favorite dinner recipe. This Creamy Beef and Shells delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience in every bite.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. From start to finish, you’ll have this dish on the table in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still crave a home-cooked meal.

Not only is it family-friendly, but it’s also a hit with picky eaters. The cheesy sauce and tender pasta shells create a dish that’s impossible to resist, no matter the age.

It’s also wonderfully budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples and affordable ground beef, you can serve up a hearty meal without breaking the bank.

Lastly, this recipe is wonderfully customizable. You can sneak in veggies, swap proteins, or tweak the seasonings to suit your preferences. It’s a dish that adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

Ready to see how it all comes together? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Creamy Beef and Shells lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish shine.

• Pasta shells: The perfect shape for holding onto all that creamy sauce. Medium shells work best, but feel free to use other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or penne if that’s what you have.
• Ground beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner options work too, but you may need to add a touch of olive oil to prevent dryness.
• Tomato paste and diced tomatoes: These add depth and richness to the sauce. The tomato paste helps thicken it, while the diced tomatoes provide texture and a hint of acidity.
• Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, creating that luscious, velvety texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can work, but the result won’t be as rich.
• Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan gives this dish its cheesy goodness. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
• Spices: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning elevates the sauce, giving it a deliciously savory kick.

You’ll also need a large skillet or sauté pan for this recipe. A good nonstick or stainless-steel pan works best for browning the beef and building the sauce. Let’s get cooking!

How To Make This Creamy Beef and Shells

Making Creamy Beef and Shells is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to bring it all together in just a few easy steps.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta shells and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook your ground beef until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Sauté and Build Flavor

In the same skillet, add a little olive oil if needed, then sauté a small, diced onion until it’s soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it briefly to enhance its flavor.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes, followed by the heavy cream and a bit of the reserved pasta water. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, then add the drained pasta shells. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan, mixing until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices as needed.

Serve your Creamy Beef and Shells hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra touch.

Storage Options

Leftovers of Creamy Beef and Shells store beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
• Freezer: This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If microwaving, heat in short intervals, stirring between each, to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe means you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Add veggies: Sneak in nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them along with the onion for a seamless addition.
• Swap proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in place of ground beef.
• Go spicy: For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter take.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the pasta shells for a gluten-free variety, and make sure your cheese and seasonings are gluten-free.

Creamy Beef and Shells is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your variations in the comments below!

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