Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Beef and Shells is a beloved dish that combines the heartiness of ground beef with the comforting texture of pasta. This meal not only satisfies hunger but also delights the senses with its rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests, this dish is simple to prepare and offers a burst of flavor that everyone will love. Plus, it’s customizable based on what you have on hand, making it a versatile option for families.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
Preparing Creamy Beef and Shells is a straightforward process that can be broken down into easy steps. Follow these instructions to create a delicious meal that your family will request time and time again.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion (diced)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 (15 oz) can marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta shells. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until they are al dente. Drain the shells in a colander and set them aside for later.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is nicely browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add Onion and Garlic: To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 2 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen.
Create the Sauce: Now it’s time to make the sauce. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onion mixture and whisk it in. Gradually pour in the beef stock while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Then, stir in the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine Pasta and Beef: Now, add the drained pasta shells to the skillet along with the browned beef. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce and the beef is evenly distributed throughout.
Make It Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and add the freshly grated cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and luscious. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a little more beef stock to reach your desired consistency.
Serve Hot: Serve the Creamy Beef and Shells hot from the skillet. If you like, you can garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells
Creamy Beef and Shells can be served straight from the skillet to the dining table. It’s a filling dish on its own, but you might consider serving it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes can also add an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Creamy Beef and Shells
If you have leftovers of Creamy Beef and Shells, storing them is simple. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer time, consider freezing it. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Leftovers
To enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove over low heat. Adding a splash of beef stock or cream while reheating can help restore the creamy texture. Stir until heated through. You can also use the microwave; just make sure to cover it loosely to avoid splatters.
Tips to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and sweet onions enhance the flavor of the dish. If possible, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese, as it melts better.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta shells until they are al dente is crucial, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.
Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the spices to match your taste. If you prefer a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a combination of your favorite veggies, like mushrooms and bell peppers, for a vegetarian version.
Variation
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, consider these variations for Creamy Beef and Shells:
Add Vegetables: Mix in spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
Cheese Options: Instead of cheddar cheese, try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favorite cheeses for a unique twist.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as macaroni, penne, or rotini. However, larger pasta shapes like shells hold the creamy sauce well.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and then reheat when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can Creamy Beef and Shells be frozen?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a delightful dish of Creamy Beef and Shells that your family will love. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Creamy Beef and Shells
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef with creamy pasta shells, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 (15 oz) can marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta shells for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk it in. Gradually add beef stock while stirring. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 6-8 minutes.
- Add drained pasta shells to the skillet and stir until well-coated with sauce.
- Pour in heavy cream and add cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Adjust consistency with beef stock if necessary.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy beef and shells, pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner