Creamy Beef and Shells
Indulging in a comforting and hearty dish can create moments of pure joy, especially during busy weeknights. Creamy Beef and Shells is one such gem, merging ground beef, delicious pasta shells, and a velvety sauce into an unforgettable family meal. I often find myself turning to this recipe after a long day, as it not only delivers satisfaction but also brings everyone together at the dinner table. If you’re looking for a creamy, flavorful dish that’s quick to whip up and universally loved, you’ve just found it!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe has earned its spot in dinner rotation for several reasons. For starters, it’s an easy, one-pan meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weekdays filled with after-school activities and work commitments. It’s also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that you can find in your pantry or fridge. The creamy sauce is rich and indulgent, yet the dish remains light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down—ideal for both family dinners and gatherings with friends.
"Absolutely delicious! My kids couldn’t get enough, and I loved how easy it was to make. This is going to be a staple in our house!" – A happy home cook
Preparing Creamy Beef and Shells
Making this dish is straightforward! You’ll start by cooking the pasta and browning the beef with aromatic vegetables like onion and garlic. Then, just let everything meld together with some beef broth and cream, creating a comforting sauce that clings perfectly to the shells. This crazy-good combination is sure to impress!
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking, here’s a simple shopping list of what you’ll need to create this creamy delight:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to swap out the beef for ground turkey or a meat alternative to cater to different dietary preferences!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook until al dente, as per package directions. Drain the shells and set aside.
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat.
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Simmer the Broth: Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to intensify the flavors.
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Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Combine: Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring they’re well-coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve: Dish up while hot, and garnish with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning for added flair!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This dish is wonderful on its own, but it can be elevated with some creative serving ideas. Consider topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish. For sides, a simple green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully to balance the richness. If you want a pop of color, roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli can be delightful accompaniments.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will stay fresh for about 3–4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. For longer storage, you can freeze the Creamy Beef and Shells in portions for up to two months—just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Creamy Beef and Shells turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t rush: Allow the sauce to simmer properly for that wonderful creamy texture.
- Taste as you go: The Italian seasoning can be adjusted based on your taste preference.
- Be mindful of the heat: When adding cream, keep the heat low to prevent curdling.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to make this recipe your own:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and lentils for a delicious plant-based option.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese before serving for an extra cheesy pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking for a bit of heat.
Common Questions
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What’s the prep time?
Typically, this dish takes around 10 minutes of prep time, with a total cooking time of about 20 minutes. -
Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely! If you have a different type of pasta on hand, feel free to swap it in—just adjust the cooking time accordingly. -
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes! Creamy Beef and Shells can be frozen after cooking. Just remember to cool it down before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. -
Can I make it gluten-free?
Certainly! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth is labeled gluten-free as well.
With Comforting warmth and creamy deliciousness, Creamy Beef and Shells is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weekday meal or serving it to friends, this dish will always hit the spot!
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or a meat alternative.
- 8 oz medium pasta shells Feel free to swap with a different pasta.
- 1 cup heavy cream Add in slowly to avoid curdling.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth Ensure it's labeled gluten-free if needed.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning Adjust to taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook until al dente, as per package directions. Drain the shells and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat.
Cooking
- Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to intensify the flavors.
- Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring they’re well-coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serving
- Dish up while hot, and garnish with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning for added flair!
