If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that’s quick and easy to whip together, look no further than this creamy beef and shells recipe. Picture tender pasta shells enveloped in a creamy, savory beef sauce—it’s a family favorite that’s bound to become your go-to weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Equipments
Make sure you have the following tools at hand:
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This typically takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the shells using a colander, rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into crumbles. Cook until the beef is browned throughout, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as it cooks.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the beef. Stir in to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta shells to the creamy beef sauce, stirring well to ensure the shells are thoroughly coated. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty meal!
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
This dish is wonderfully rich on its own, but feel free to compliment it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To add more depth to the sauce, consider deglazing the skillet with a splash of red wine before adding the broth. Also, swap in different types of pasta if you prefer, such as macaroni or penne. For a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added along with the sautéed onion and garlic.
Packed with Power: High Protein Version of the Recipe
To turn this dish into a high-protein powerhouse, replace the regular pasta with chickpea pasta or lentil pasta, which significantly boost the protein content without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, you can swirl in a dollop of Greek yogurt to the sauce for extra creaminess and protein.
Lighten Up: Low Carb Creamy Beef and Shells
Concerned about carbs? Swap out the pasta shells with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a light yet satisfying meal. Both choices soak up the rich, savory beef sauce beautifully and keep the meal low carb.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers of this creamy beef and shells recipe can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing in individual portions, which can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to bring back the creaminess.
FAQs
- Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
- What other cheeses can be used besides Parmesan?
- How can I make this spicier?
- What sides complement this dish best?
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Share Your Thoughts and Get Cooking!
This creamy beef and shells recipe is a testament to the fusion of simplicity and indulgence. Don’t just take our word for it—try it out! Share your culinary creations, leave a comment below, and spread the love by sharing this recipe with friends and family.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- pasta shells
- beef broth
- heavy cream
- onion
- garlic
- olive oil
- tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper
- grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Steps
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and tomato paste.
- Add ground beef to skillet, breaking into crumbles. Cook until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in pasta shells and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.