Rich and Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal. Made with ground beef, pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. With a blend of cream, tomatoes, and seasoning, it’s a hearty, flavorful dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and mix until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken further. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese, if desired. Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Tips for the Best Creamy Beef and Shells
- Use high-quality cheese – Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Cook it just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.
- Enhance the flavor – A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add depth to the dish.
- Pair it with a side – Try it with Garlic Bread for an indulgent meal.
- Make it creamy – For an extra creamy texture, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Beef and Shells dish is packed with bold flavors and a rich, velvety texture. It’s easy to make, takes minimal effort, and is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of ground beef, cheese, and pasta creates a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before mixing with fresh pasta.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed mushrooms can add extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef and Shells is the perfect comfort food, blending rich flavors and a smooth, cheesy sauce. Whether served on a busy weeknight or as a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked pasta dish that everyone will love! For more tasty recipes, visit All Chick-fil-A Menu!
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and mix until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken further. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese, if desired. Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before mixing with fresh pasta.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
