Creamy beef and shells is one of those dishes that instantly wraps you in a warm, comforting hug. Picture this: tender beef mingling with perfectly cooked shell pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce that just begs to be savored. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; the moment they took a bite, their eyes lit up in pure delight. It’s a recipe that not only satisfies hunger but also brings everyone together around the dinner table. Trust me, once you try this creamy beef and shells, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your home, too. The richness of the flavors and the heartiness of the meal make it perfect for any night of the week, whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting a cozy dinner with friends.
Ingredients List
- 8 oz. medium shell pasta
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Creamy Beef and Shells
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz. medium shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside; it’ll soak up all that delicious sauce later!
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it turns translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the minced garlic and the 1 lb. of ground beef to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a spatula until it’s nicely browned. You want that beautiful caramelization for depth of flavor!
- Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce for about 5 minutes; this step intensifies the flavor and makes your sauce even richer.
- Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
- Finally, add the drained shell pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together for about 2-3 minutes until the pasta is beautifully coated in that creamy goodness.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy every creamy, delightful bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, creamy flavors that will satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
- Comforting texture that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- One-pot dish means less cleanup—more time to enjoy your meal!
- Great for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends.
Tips for Success
To ensure your creamy beef and shells turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips. First, use high-quality ground beef; I prefer 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Don’t skip the seasoning—salt and pepper enhance the overall taste, so be generous! When sautéing the onions, let them caramelize slightly for added sweetness. If you want to take the flavor up a notch, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce along with the beef broth. This little trick adds depth and complexity that elevates the dish. Lastly, remember to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining; it can be a great addition to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed. Trust me, these small details make a big difference!
Variations of Creamy Beef and Shells
One of the best things about creamy beef and shells is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste! Want to add a bit of color and nutrition? Toss in some fresh spinach or sautéed bell peppers along with the onions. If you’re a mushroom lover, adding sliced mushrooms when cooking the beef creates a fantastic earthy flavor. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a different cheesy experience!
For those who like a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat. You could even turn this dish into a Tex-Mex delight by incorporating black beans and corn, then adding taco seasoning for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to make this dish your own!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of creamy beef and shells delivers a hearty dose of deliciousness with approximately 620 calories. You’ll find around 38g of fat, 30g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates in this comforting dish. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, so they may vary slightly depending on the specific brands or variations you choose. It’s a satisfying meal that balances flavor and nutrition beautifully!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers of this creamy beef and shells (which is rare, but it happens!), you’ll want to store it properly to maintain that delicious flavor and texture. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it, so it doesn’t get lost in the depths of your fridge!
When it comes time to reheat, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Simply add the leftover creamy beef and shells to a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Heat until warmed through, and you’ll have a comforting meal that tastes almost as good as when it was freshly made! Microwaving is an option too, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. Enjoy your leftovers!
FAQ Section
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the seasoning a bit, as they can be milder in flavor.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Just remember, the sauce may not be as rich and creamy, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular medium shell pasta for a gluten-free version. There are plenty of great options available that hold up just as well in this dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking for a kick, try adding some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce while cooking the beef. It’ll elevate the flavor profile beautifully!
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook everything and store it in the fridge for up to a day before serving. Just reheat it on the stovetop and add a splash of cream or water to refresh the sauce.
Creamy Beef and Shells: 7 Steps to Delicious Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Creamy beef and shells is a rich pasta dish made with tender beef and creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. medium shell pasta
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Allow to reduce for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
- Try using different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for variations.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers during the beef cooking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy beef and shells, pasta recipes, beef pasta dish
