Who can resist a warm, creamy, and satisfying plate of creamy beef shells? This delightful dish blends savory ground beef with perfectly cooked pasta shells in a velvety sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a hug from the inside out, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a cozy night in. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to making your own creamy beef shells.
Ingredients
To make this Creamy Beef Shells Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups pasta shells
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipments
You’ll need a few key kitchen tools to bring this meal together:
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Creamy Beef Shells Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook them until al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Push the sautéed aromatics to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s well browned and crumbled, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the beef’s natural flavors.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the beef is browned, add the beef broth to the skillet and let it come to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Maintain a slow simmer to cook the sauce through properly without boiling.
Step 5: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, stirring until they’re well coated with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and cohesive. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the creamy beef shells to serving bowls or plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this cozy, delicious meal!
How to Serve Creamy Beef Shells Recipe
Serve these creamy beef shells hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with a light side salad, some crusty bread, or steamed veggies to add variety to your meal. It’s a versatile dish that can be dressed up for a family dinner or enjoyed as is for a casual meal.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To elevate the flavors of this dish, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Ensuring the pasta is cooked al dente will prevent it from becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce. For additional creaminess, fold in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
Pumped-Up Protein: High-Protein Creamy Beef Shells Delight
Looking to increase your protein intake? This recipe can be easily adapted by substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and adding a handful of cooked lentils or black beans. Not only will this boost the protein content, but it will also introduce new textures and flavors to the dish.
Low Carb Lovers: Creamy Beef Shells with a Keto Twist
For those on a low-carb diet, replace the pasta shells with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use heavy whipping cream instead of regular cream for a higher fat content, which is perfect for maintaining a ketogenic balance. This modification ensures you get the satisfaction of a hearty meal without the carbs.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to substitute with any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or even milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta shells to make the dish gluten-free.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, substitute the beef with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
- How do I adjust the spice level? Add more chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
Embrace the Creaminess: Final Thoughts on Our Creamy Beef Shells
This Creamy Beef Shells Recipe is a surefire way to please everyone around the table. Its ease of preparation combined with the rich flavors makes it a household favorite. We hope you enjoy making it as much as eating it. Do share your experience in the comments, and let us know any tweaks you tried. Don’t forget to spread the joy by sharing this recipe with your friends and family!
Creamy Beef Shells Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- pasta shells
- onion
- garlic
- beef broth
- heavy cream
- shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and black pepper
- olive oil
- fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Start by cooking the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook them until al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Push the sautéed aromatics to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until it's well browned and crumbled, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the beef's natural flavors.
- Once the beef is browned, add the beef broth to the skillet and let it come to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Maintain a slow simmer to cook the sauce through properly without boiling.
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, stirring until they're well coated with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and cohesive. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer the creamy beef shells to serving bowls or plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this cozy, delicious meal!