Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal that’s full of flavor, this Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is just what you need. This dish combines tender pasta shells with seasoned ground beef and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both kid-friendly and hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table. Best of all, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry! Keep reading for the full recipe, helpful tips, and variations to make this dish your own.

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What Is Creamy Beef and Shells?

Creamy Beef and Shells is a pasta dish made with ground beef, pasta shells, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s similar to a homemade hamburger helper but so much better! The pasta shells are great at holding onto the rich sauce, making every bite flavorful and delicious. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Ingredients List for Easy Creamy Beef and Shells

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe:

• 12 oz medium pasta shells (or any other short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is flexible and easy to customize to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some great substitution ideas:

• Ground beef alternatives: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Cheese options: While cheddar is classic, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
• Pasta alternatives: Any short pasta will work well in this recipe, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
• Vegetable add-ins: Boost the nutrition by adding veggies like spinach, bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the dish.
• Lighter sauce: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

These substitutions make it easy to adapt the recipe to what you have on hand or suit your family’s tastes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious and Easy 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 (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the meat is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste (if using) and cook for another minute, stirring to combine.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour the undrained diced tomatoes and beef broth into the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Cook Creamy Beef and Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of how to make Creamy Beef and Shells:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef with diced onion, then add garlic and seasonings.
3. Add diced tomatoes and beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese to create a creamy sauce.
5. Combine with the cooked pasta and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
6. Garnish and serve with fresh parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Beef and Shells:

• Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy once mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Not draining excess fat: After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
• Curdling the cream: Keep the heat low when adding the heavy cream to avoid curdling. If the heat is too high, the cream may separate.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Although Creamy Beef and Shells is a simple, rustic dish, you can still make it look great on the table.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

Serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s also great for meal prepping, as it reheats well.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and brightness.
• Serve family-style: Serve the pasta directly from the skillet for a cozy, family-style presentation, or plate individual portions for a neater look.
• Add a side: Pair the dish with garlic bread or a side salad to make the meal even more filling.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Creamy Beef and Shells turns out perfectly:

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
• Freeze for later: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Add more veggies: For extra nutrition, stir in spinach, peas, or bell peppers to add color, texture, and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

2. Can I make Creamy Beef and Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.

3. Can I freeze Creamy Beef and Shells?
Yes! This dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. How do I reheat Creamy Beef and Shells?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas is a great way to boost the nutrition and flavor of the dish.

Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is the ultimate comfort food. With tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a quick, satisfying weeknight meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes, making it perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.

So, gather your ingredients and whip up this hearty, comforting Creamy Beef and Shells tonight for a dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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