Creamy Beef and Shells

Looking for a comfort food dish that’s as creamy as it is savory? Creamy Beef and Shells is here to make your taste buds do a happy dance! This one-pot wonder combines tender beef, rich cream, and hearty pasta shells, all brought together in a velvety, flavorful sauce. The best part? It’s as simple as it is delicious. You’ve got everything you need in one dish: protein, carbs, and creamy goodness, making it the perfect choice for a cozy weeknight dinner. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef and Shells

If you’re looking for a dish that checks all the boxes—flavor, comfort, and simplicity—this creamy beef and shells recipe is a winner!

Comfort Food at Its Best:

It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory beef. This dish is a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those nights when you need something hearty to fill you up.

Quick and Easy:

This one-pan meal comes together in under 30 minutes! No need to stress about complicated steps or hours of prep. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

One-Pot Meal:

Less clean-up? Yes, please! Everything cooks in one pot, so you can enjoy the meal without worrying about a pile of dishes afterward.

Customizable:

Want to sneak in more veggies? You can easily add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the mix. The creamy sauce works wonders with just about any veggie!

Kid-Friendly:

This dish is a surefire hit with kids (and picky eaters)! The creamy sauce and tender pasta make it easy to please even the fussiest of little ones.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this creamy, dreamy pasta dish:

Ground Beef:

Lean ground beef is the star here, providing all the rich, savory flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.

Shell Pasta:

I love using pasta shells because they hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, but you can swap them for any short pasta like penne or rotini if needed.

Garlic:

Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic punch that gives the dish its depth of flavor.

Onion:

Onions add a touch of sweetness and savory depth to the sauce. Plus, they make everything smell amazing as it cooks.

Heavy Cream:

This is what makes the dish ultra-creamy! The heavy cream turns into a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the beef and pasta.

Beef Broth:

A splash of beef broth gives the sauce a nice, savory base, while adding a bit of moisture to the creamy mixture.

Parmesan Cheese:

Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds that cheesy goodness that makes every bite irresistible.

Seasonings:

A blend of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning brings the flavors together. You can also throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to add a bit of heat.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into this super simple process of making Creamy Beef and Shells!

Brown the Beef:

In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks to get small, crumbled bits. Drain off any excess fat.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan with the beef, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This is where all the savory flavor begins to build!

Add the Liquid:

Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.

Stir in the Cream:

Once the beef broth has reduced, stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become rich and creamy.

Cook the Pasta:

While the sauce is simmering, cook the shell pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the beef mixture.

Toss to Combine:

Add the cooked pasta to the creamy beef mixture, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your creamy beef and shells hot, with an extra sprinkle of parmesan on top if you like. It’s as simple as that!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 540 kcal
Nutritional Breakdown per serving:

• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 820mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 32g

(Note: These values are based on standard ingredients used. Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

This dish is comforting and rich on its own, but there are some great sides to pair with it for a well-rounded meal!

Garlic Bread:

Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up that creamy sauce. You can never go wrong with this classic pairing!

Simple Salad:

A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette would be a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Veggies:

Try roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans for an extra veggie boost. The slight char on the vegetables adds a delicious contrast to the creamy pasta.

Steamed Asparagus:

Steamed asparagus is another great choice—it’s light, crisp, and offers a nice balance to the richness of the beef and shells.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your creamy beef and shells dish even better:

Add Some Veggies:

If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, try adding spinach, peas, or mushrooms right into the sauce. They’ll cook right along with the beef and add flavor and color.

Make It Extra Cheesy:

If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese to the sauce! Mozzarella or provolone would work wonderfully for a cheesy, gooey twist.

Spice It Up:

For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. It adds a little zing that pairs perfectly with the creaminess.

Store Leftovers:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A1: Yes! You can swap in any short pasta, like penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just keep in mind that the shells do a great job of holding onto the creamy sauce.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can prep everything in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently before serving. If you make it ahead, you might want to add a little extra cream or broth to loosen up the sauce as it reheats.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to bring the creaminess back.

Q4: Can I freeze Creamy Beef and Shells?

A4: Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra cream or broth to get the sauce back to its creamy texture.

Q5: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

A5: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this dish. It will make the meal lighter, but it’ll still be delicious.

Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?

A6: Yes! You can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food dish that’s quick, easy, and totally satisfying. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender beef, this one-pot wonder will become a favorite in no time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe has you covered. Serve it up with some garlic bread and a side salad, and you’ve got a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!

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