Are you ready to indulge in a dish that defines comfort food? Our Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is a hearty, flavorful meal that combines tender pasta shells, a rich beefy sauce, and a touch of creaminess that will leave your taste buds craving more.
This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a quick, satisfying, and soul-warming solution to dinner dilemmas.
With a blend of savory spices, wholesome ingredients, and a creamy texture, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, our step-by-step guide will make preparing this delicious recipe a breeze.
Personal Experience
The first time I made the Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe, it quickly became a family favorite.
The comforting aroma that filled the kitchen was enough to make everyone gather around the table in eager anticipation.
It’s now my go-to recipe for cozy dinners, offering a delightful mix of simplicity and flavor that never disappoints.
Equipment List
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium-sized pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander or strainer
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients List
- 12 oz (340 g) medium pasta shells
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe – Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1:
Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2:
Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3:
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 4:
Build the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings (Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5:
Add the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 6:
Incorporate the pasta: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss them in the creamy beef sauce until well coated.
Step 7:
Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture and stir until melted and creamy.
Step 8:
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting consistency.
- Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to soften in the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- To save time, prep the onions and garlic while the pasta cooks.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat pasta and substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn to the dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is a versatile, comforting dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.
It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Try it today and discover the joy of creating a meal that brings everyone together.
FAQs
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is freezer-friendly. Once cooked, allow the dish to cool to room temperature.
Transfer it into a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Add a little broth or cream during reheating to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
Use dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor. The result will still be creamy and delicious.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Definitely! While medium shells are ideal for capturing the sauce, other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work just as well.
Choose your favorite shape to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium-sized pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander or strainer
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g medium pasta shells
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Build the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings (Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate the pasta: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss them in the creamy beef sauce until well coated.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture and stir until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting consistency.
- Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to soften in the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- To save time, prep the onions and garlic while the pasta cooks.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
