If you’re craving a comforting and satisfying dinner that’s both quick and easy to prepare, this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is the perfect choice. Packed with tender pasta shells coated in a rich, creamy sauce and loaded with seasoned ground beef, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy tomato-based sauce brings a savory warmth that makes every bite irresistible, while the beef adds hearty richness to keep you full and satisfied.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea or a cozy meal to enjoy with family, this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. It’s simple enough for busy evenings yet rich and indulgent enough to feel like a special treat. Plus, with its rich sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this meal is sure to win over kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for this Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the meat.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy beef sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Storage Instructions
To store leftover Creamy Beef and Shells, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture, and heat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Estimated Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~22g
- Saturated Fat: ~10g
- Cholesterol: ~75mg
- Sodium: ~750mg
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~5g
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While shells are great for holding the sauce, other pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli also work well.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce may be slightly less rich but still delicious.
4. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar is ideal, but you can also try Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor.
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Its creamy texture and savory flavor are generally a hit with kids. If they prefer milder tastes, adjust the seasonings accordingly.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve for optimal texture.
7. What side dishes pair well with Creamy Beef and Shells?
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.
8. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If your sauce is thinner than desired, simmer it a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp cold water) and cook until thickened.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-5 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to whip up, this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a must-try. Perfectly cooked pasta shells are coated in a rich, savory sauce with seasoned ground beef and a creamy cheese blend. This one-pan dinner is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights, offering comfort food vibes without a complicated cooking process. It’s rich, hearty, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re searching for dinner ideas, quick comfort food, or a satisfying pasta dish, this recipe delivers it all in one delicious bowl.
Ingredients
8 oz medium pasta shells
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add Flavor: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to enhance the flavors.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir everything together and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy beef sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.