Introduction to Creamy Beef and Shells
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a creamy sauce that is simply irresistible. This hearty meal is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. The blend of spices, garlic, and beef stock creates a depth of flavor, while the marinara sauce and creaminess from the pasta create a delightful contrast.
This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for variations based on your taste preferences. The creamy texture and bold flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults, and it’s a great way to use pantry staples to create a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes. If you’re looking for other comforting pasta dishes, check out this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or explore more easy dinner ideas on Food Network’s Recipe Collection.
Basic Recipe for Creamy Beef and Shells
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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe – Rich, Hearty, and Delicious
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender pasta shells with a savory ground beef and creamy sauce. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal, packed with flavor and texture. The hearty beef complements the smooth creaminess of the sauce, while the shells capture the creamy goodness in every bite. This dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying dinner that will please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz large pasta shells
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion to the beef and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow to cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Mix in cheese: Add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells into the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta with the creamy beef sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- For extra creaminess, add a bit more heavy cream or substitute part of the broth with milk.
- Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Creamy Beef and Shells
Steps:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Mixture: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Season the Beef: Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, dried oregano, and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to bloom for about 30 seconds. The aroma of the spices should fill the air.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. This will help thicken the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to toast slightly. Gradually pour in the beef stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the marinara sauce, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce, making sure all the pasta is evenly covered. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, garnished with extra parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Advanced Techniques for Perfect Creamy Beef and Shells
Adding Cheese for Extra Creaminess
- For an even creamier dish, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar just before adding the pasta. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture.
Make It Spicy
- To add a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes along with the other spices. This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
Adding Vegetables
- You can make the dish more nutritious by adding vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic for a few extra minutes before adding the beef.
Make it Healthier
- For a lighter version, you can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Additionally, using whole wheat pasta shells or gluten-free pasta can make the dish more nutritious and suitable for different dietary preferences.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips for Creamy Beef and Shells
Storing Leftovers:
- In the Refrigerator: Allow any leftover creamy beef and shells to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef stock or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezing:
- Freezing the Dish: To freeze this dish, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of beef stock to help restore the creamy texture.
Reheating:
- Reheat on the Stovetop: Place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a little more beef stock or cream to maintain the creamy consistency.
- Microwave: Heat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Add a splash of liquid if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions for Creamy Beef and Shells
Gluten-Free Version:
- For a gluten-free version, swap the regular pasta shells for gluten-free pasta. Ensure that your beef stock and marinara sauce are gluten-free as well.
Dairy-Free Adaptation:
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the beef stock with vegetable stock and leave out any cheese or cream. You can use a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream or cashew cream for the creamy texture.
Low-Carb/Keto Option:
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly dish, substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. This will reduce the carb content while still providing a similar texture to the original recipe.
FAQs About Creamy Beef and Shells
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare the creamy beef and shells as directed, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for a quick and easy meal.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more flour at the step where you add the beef stock. Alternatively, you can allow the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for the ground beef. Each protein will bring a slightly different flavor, but the overall dish will still be delicious.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even peas to increase the nutritional value. Just sauté the veggies along with the onions before adding the beef.
Conclusion & Final thoughts
Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. The combination of ground beef, spices, and a creamy sauce creates a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a cozy dinner, this dish is easy to make and incredibly delicious. With its versatility and delicious taste, Creamy Beef and Shells is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!