Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Beef and Shells, a hearty pasta dish that’s sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table. This recipe artfully combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef, all smothered in a creamy, tomato-based sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or when you’re simply craving something delicious and satisfying, Creamy Beef and Shells is a versatile dish that promises to please palates of all ages. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this meal is not just a feast for the senses but also a breeze to prepare.
The story of Creamy Beef and Shells begins on a quest to find the ultimate comfort food. I wanted to create a dish that was not only easy to make on a busy night but also rich in flavor and satisfying to the soul. Experimenting with classic ingredients like ground beef and pasta, I stumbled upon the magic that a touch of cream and the right spices could bring to a dish. The first time I served this to my family, the table went silent, the kind of silence that speaks volumes, followed by requests for seconds and even thirds.
As this dish made its way into our regular meal rotation, it became more than just a recipe; it turned into a symbol of home, warmth, and togetherness. Whether it’s been a long day or we’re celebrating a small victory, Creamy Beef and Shells has a way of making everything feel just right. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable meals.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef and Shells
- Hearty and Fulfilling: A perfect blend of protein, carbs, and creamy sauce to satisfy your hunger.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, making dinner time a breeze.
- Quick and Easy: Ideal for weeknights, with minimal prep and cooking time required.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients Notes For Creamy Beef and Shells
- Pasta Shells: Small to medium-sized shells work best for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and healthiness.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses for added flavor and gooeyness.
- Spices: Garlic, onion, paprika, and Italian seasoning enhance the meat and sauce with warmth and complexity.
Recipe Steps
- Cook Pasta: Boil the shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with onions and garlic until no pink remains.
- Create Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, spices, and a bit of flour to thicken. Gradually add broth and cream, simmering until thickened.
- Combine: Mix in the cooked pasta shells and cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well coated.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese before serving warm.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Creamy Beef and Shells A Family Favorite
Ingredients
- Medium pasta shells: 8 ounces
- Ground beef: 1 pound (about 450g)
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Canned tomato sauce: 15 ounces
- Beef broth: 1 cup
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 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. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- To the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings:
- Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add Cream and Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.