Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why Easy Creamy Beef and Shells will win you over:
- Quick and Easy – This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal in no time.
- Comfort Food at Its Best – A rich and creamy sauce with tender pasta shells and savory beef makes this a comforting meal.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor – With only one skillet and simple ingredients, you get a meal that’s full of flavor without hours in the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly – This dish is sure to please the whole family, including picky eaters.
- Versatile – You can easily customize the dish with your favorite seasonings or add-ins like vegetables or different types of cheese.
- Perfect for Leftovers – It stores well and tastes just as delicious when reheated the next day.
If you’re looking for a meal that combines convenience, flavor, and comfort, look no further than this creamy beef and shells recipe!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Season: Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir until the flour is absorbed. Slowly pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a family dinner that can be made in just half an hour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta shape.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe isn’t spicy, but if you prefer a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or chili powder to taste.
4. Can I substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
5. Can I use a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based cream.
6. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
8. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and results in a smoother sauce.
9. How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a bit more beef broth or cream to achieve the desired consistency.
10. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Easy Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights or any time you need a hearty, satisfying meal. With minimal prep and cooking time, this one-pan wonder combines tender pasta, savory beef, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for leftovers, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. It’s a true winner for any dinner table!
Easy Creamy Beef and Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Creamy Beef and Shells is a delicious and satisfying one-pan pasta dish that combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef, all wrapped in a rich, cheesy tomato cream sauce. This dish is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor, ideal for busy weeknights, family meals, or even meal prepping.
Ingredients
12 oz medium pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Season: Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir until the flour is absorbed. Slowly pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of beef broth or cream to adjust the consistency.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or chili powder to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
