Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty pasta dish that combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy tomato-based sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic schedules.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children.
• Comfort Food: Combines pasta, beef, and a creamy sauce for a warm and satisfying dish.
• One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.​Damn Delicious+3That Oven Feelin+3I Wash You Dry+3
2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.​Damn Delicious
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.​Damn Delicious
4. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir to combine. Gradually whisk in beef broth and tomato sauce, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.​
5. Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream. Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.​
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.​The Kitchn+1I Wash You Dry+1
7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.​
• Prep Time: 10 minutes​I Wash You Dry+6The Seasoned Mom+6Log in or sign up to view+6
• Cook Time: 20 minutes​Valerie’s Kitchen+1I Wash You Dry+1
• Total Time: 30 minutes​Simply Recipes+2That Oven Feelin+2easyinstantrecipes.com+2

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.​All Our Way+9That Oven Feelin+9Simply Recipes+9
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.​That Oven Feelin
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.​
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to introduce some heat to the dish.​The Seasoned Mom
• Pasta Alternatives: Use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni if shells are unavailable.​The Seasoned Mom

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.​
• Freezing: For longer storage, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.​
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until warmed through.​

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Medium pasta shells are ideal as they hold the sauce well, but other shapes like penne or rotini can also be used.​easyinstantrecipes.com+3The Seasoned Mom+3I Wash You Dry+3

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.​

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.​

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce to increase the heat level.​

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be used in place of ground beef.​

What can I serve alongside this dish?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes.​

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Ensure the heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce, and add it slowly while stirring continuously.​

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly! Adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can enhance the nutritional value and flavor.​

What should I do if the sauce is too thick?

Add a bit more beef broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.​Valerie’s Kitchen

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes, it freezes well. Store in airtight containers and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.​

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Shells is a delectable and comforting dish that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Its rich, creamy sauce combined with tender pasta and savory beef makes it a go-to meal for any occasion. With various customization options and straightforward storage and reheating instructions, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the hearty flavors and the convenience of this delightful dish!

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