This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, creamy, and loaded with flavor! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef and Shells
- Comforting and Filling: A creamy, savory pasta dish that warms your soul.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy sauce is always a hit with little ones.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Shells
Here’s everything you need to whip up this delicious dish:
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Whisk
- Spatula
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the 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 up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually add the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta shells and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Add steamed or sautéed veggies like spinach, broccoli, or peas to boost the nutritional value.
Tips for the Best Creamy Beef and Shells
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be less creamy due to added anti-caking agents. Shredding your own makes a difference!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the shells since they’ll absorb some sauce when mixed.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works well in this recipe.
Q2: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion: A Creamy, Cozy Favorite!
Creamy Beef and Shells is a dish that delivers on flavor and comfort every time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram. We’d love to see your culinary creations!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 430
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 22g
Savor this creamy, hearty dish and share it with your loved ones!
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Creamy Beef and Shells
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, creamy, and loaded with flavor! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more quick and delicious dinner recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the 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 up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually add the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta shells and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be less creamy due to added anti-caking agents. Shredding your own makes a difference!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the shells since they’ll absorb some sauce when mixed.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
