Easy Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

Looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal to please the whole family? This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is the ultimate comfort dish, combining tender pasta shells with seasoned ground beef in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes, but it’s so flavorful, it’ll feel like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for kids, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting bowl of pasta, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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What is Creamy Beef and Shells?

Creamy Beef and Shells is a savory, one-pan pasta dish where small pasta shells are cooked and combined with a creamy sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and cream. The texture of the pasta shells perfectly captures the rich, velvety sauce, making every bite full of flavor. It’s similar to a homemade hamburger helper or a simplified beef stroganoff but with a comforting twist.

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Ingredients List for Creamy Beef and Shells

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

For the Beef and Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean, like 85/15)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz small pasta shells (you can substitute with elbow macaroni or rotini if preferred)
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Cheesy Finish:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
• Extra grated Parmesan (because you can never have too much cheese!)

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, and you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

1. Protein Substitutes: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute to make the dish lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
2. Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
3. Vegetable Add-ins: You can sneak in extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value. Just sauté the veggies along with the onions and garlic.
4. Pasta Variations: While small shells work best to catch the sauce, you can swap them for other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even rigatoni.
5. Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef while cooking.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up a delicious pot of Creamy Beef and Shells:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 7-9 minutes).
• Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season the Beef

• Season the cooked beef with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

• Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine with the beef mixture.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

• Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing everything together until the shells are well coated in the creamy beef sauce.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this dish is easy to make, there are a few common mistakes to avoid for the best results:

1. Not Draining the Grease: If you're using beef with a higher fat content, make sure to drain the excess grease after browning the meat to avoid a greasy sauce.
2. Overcooking the Pasta: For the best texture, cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
3. Adding Cream Too Quickly: When adding the cream, lower the heat to avoid curdling. Simmer the sauce gently once the cream is incorporated.
4. Not Letting the Sauce Thicken: Give the sauce time to thicken before adding the pasta. This will ensure the sauce sticks to the shells and isn’t too watery.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

• Family Style: This dish is perfect for serving straight from the skillet, family-style. Place the skillet on the table and let everyone help themselves.
• Individual Bowls: For a more formal presentation, ladle the beef and shells into individual bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives brighten up the rich, creamy dish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a pop of color and spice.
• Sides: Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, complements the richness of the dish.

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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe Tips

1. Make it Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
2. Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a larger crowd, double the ingredients and use a large Dutch oven or deep skillet to ensure everything fits.
3. Enhance the Flavor: If you like a deeper, richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce when cooking the beef. This adds a savory umami element to the dish.
4. Reheating Tip: When reheating leftovers, add a little extra liquid (milk, broth, or cream) to help rehydrate the sauce and keep it creamy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great, lighter substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will still provide a delicious, flavorful dish.

2. Can I freeze Creamy Beef and Shells?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a little extra liquid.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce and restore the creamy texture.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

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Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is the perfect weeknight meal when you need something quick, comforting, and filling. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce is guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, with plenty of room for customization, you can adapt this dish to suit any dietary needs or flavor preferences. Give this recipe a try tonight and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!

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