Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

Looking for a quick, comforting dinner that’s rich, creamy, and satisfying? This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe combines tender pasta shells, flavorful ground beef, and a luscious, cheesy sauce for a delicious meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an easy go-to dinner that delivers big on flavor. Stick around for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations to customize this creamy, hearty dish!

this Recipe

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What is Creamy Beef and Shells?

Creamy Beef and Shells is a simple and hearty pasta dish made with ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich, creamy sauce made with cheese and cream. It’s similar to a homemade Hamburger Helper or a pasta casserole but quicker and more flavorful. The combination of beef, pasta, and creamy sauce makes it the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. This recipe is a one-pot wonder that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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Ingredients List for Creamy Beef and Shells

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious, comforting meal:

• Medium Pasta Shells – 8 oz (about 3 cups), the perfect shape for holding the creamy sauce.
• Ground Beef (80% lean) – 1 pound, for a rich, flavorful base.
• Onion – 1 small, diced for sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for extra savory notes.
• Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons, to add richness and a slight tang to the sauce.
• Beef Broth – 1 cup, to add flavor and moisture.
• Heavy Cream – ½ cup, for the luxurious creamy sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 1½ cups, for a cheesy finish.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste.
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon, for mild smoky flavor (optional but recommended).
• Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon, for added herbs and flavor.

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Substitutions and Variations

Creamy Beef and Shells is a versatile recipe that can be customized based on what you have in the kitchen or your dietary preferences:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You’ll still get the same comforting flavor but with fewer calories.
• Pasta Shapes: While medium shells are great for holding the sauce, feel free to substitute them with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle.
• Add Veggies: To make this meal more nutritious, toss in some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra color and vitamins.
• Cheese Choices: You can mix in different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.

These substitutions make the dish adaptable to different tastes while keeping it just as delicious!

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Creamy Beef and Shells:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet or pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
   • Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add the diced onion and garlic to the browned beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Seasoning:
   • Stir in the tomato paste, paprika (if using), and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and develop deeper flavors.
5. Add Beef Broth and Simmer:
   • Pour in the beef broth and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and the flavors come together.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   • Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Add Cheese:
   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
9. Season and Serve:
   • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.

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How to Cook Creamy Beef and Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the main steps to cook Creamy Beef and Shells:

1. Cook the pasta shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef and sauté with onions and garlic.
3. Add tomato paste and seasonings to the beef.
4. Simmer with beef broth to create the base of the sauce.
5. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese to make the sauce creamy and rich.
6. Combine the pasta and sauce and serve hot.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will absorb some sauce once mixed in. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta.
• Not Draining the Fat: If your ground beef is fatty, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning to avoid a greasy dish.
• Curdling the Cream: When adding the heavy cream, lower the heat and avoid bringing it to a full boil. High heat can cause the cream to curdle.
• Skipping the Cheese Gradually: To ensure a smooth, creamy sauce, add the shredded cheese gradually, stirring between additions until fully melted.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Creamy Beef and Shells is a hearty dish, but there are a few ways to serve and present it to make it even more appealing!

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells:

• Family-Style: Serve straight from the skillet or pot for a casual, family-friendly meal.
• Individual Portions: Spoon the pasta into bowls and sprinkle with extra cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
• Side Dishes: Pair this creamy dish with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Beef and Shells:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add some chopped parsley or basil on top for a fresh, colorful finish.
• Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top and place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to create a melted, bubbly topping.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.

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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe Tips

• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the beef sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and mix it with freshly cooked pasta.
• Freezing Tip: Creamy beef and shells can be frozen, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly when reheated. To freeze, let the dish cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Customize the Cheese: For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone along with the cheddar. It adds a velvety richness to the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While shells are great for holding the sauce, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli.

Can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken and substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be slightly less creamy, but still delicious.

What other cheeses can I use?
You can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for different flavor profiles. Just make sure they melt well for a smooth sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, mushrooms, peas, or broccoli to the dish for added nutrition and color. Sauté the vegetables along with the beef and onions.

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Conclusion:

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce into one satisfying dish. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that comes together in under 30 minutes. Feel free to customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, or meats to suit your taste, and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!

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