If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly balances rich flavors with heartwarming comfort, look no further than this delectable creamy beef shells recipe. With a creamy, savory sauce enveloping tender pasta and juicy beef, it’s a meal that’s sure to delight the entire family. Whether you’re serving it up on a weeknight or indulging on the weekend, this dish brings joy to every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipments
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
How to Make Creamy Beef Shells Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1 – Cook the pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2 – Brown the beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, usually about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat before moving to the next step.
Step 3 – Sauté onions and garlic:
Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the beef and cook until translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Throw in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
Step 4 – Combine and simmer:
Pour the beef broth into the skillet, followed by the heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and thicken slightly.
Step 5 – Add cheese and pasta:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce gradually, stirring until fully melted. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, use some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Step 6 – Season and serve:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer the creamy beef shells to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness and color. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Beef Shells
The Creamy Beef Shells make a fantastic main course, beautifully complemented by a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve some garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra creamy sauce on the plate.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For maximum flavor, always use fresh onions and garlic; they provide a deeper taste. Stirring the cheese gradually prevents clumping and ensures a velvety texture. If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. For a more herbaceous touch, add fresh basil or thyme into your sauce.
Boost Your Protein: A Beefier Creamy Shells Delight!
If your aim is to up the protein intake without compromising taste, this high-protein twist on the classic creamy beef shells is a game-changer. Double the quantity of ground beef or substitute half with lean minced turkey breast. You can also incorporate lentils, which blend seamlessly into the sauce and boost the protein content remarkably.
Don’t shy away from topping the dish with crumbled cooked bacon or chopped hard-boiled eggs. These high-protein additions provide texture and a subtle smokiness, elevating the dish to new heights, making it a robust meal perfect for protein lovers!
A Low Carb Wonder: Creamy Keto Beef Shells
Want to indulge in creamy beef shells without the carb-loading? Try swapping traditional pasta shells with zucchini spirals or shirataki noodles. These low-carb alternatives maintain the dish’s heartiness while keeping your plate keto-friendly.
Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce to give it depth without the carbs. This creamy low-carb dish allows you to enjoy rich flavors while maintaining your health goals, perfect for those adhering to a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle!
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers of the creamy beef shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to the pasta and warm slowly over the stove or in a microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating.
FAQs
- Can I make the creamy beef shells ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce a day in advance. Just boil the pasta and combine it with the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative. Lentils or chickpeas also work well as protein-rich options.
- What cheese can I use besides cheddar? Monterey Jack or mozzarella will give a different flavor profile but blend beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and can be used instead of shells.
- Is there a dairy-free option? Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a vegan cheese substitute to make it dairy-free.
Why This Creamy Beef Shells Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite
This creamy beef shells recipe is a delightful combination of effortless preparation and rewarding taste. Perfect for those seeking comfort food without a kitchen marathon, it’s versatile enough to be adapted to your dietary needs or taste preferences. Share this gem with friends and family, or leave a comment below with your own twist on the recipe!
Creamy Beef Shells Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- medium pasta shells
- ground beef
- olive oil
- onion
- garlic
- heavy cream
- beef broth
- shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it's browned and cooked through, usually about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat before moving to the next step.
- Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the beef and cook until translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Throw in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour the beef broth into the skillet, followed by the heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and thicken slightly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce gradually, stirring until fully melted. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, use some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer the creamy beef shells to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness and color. Serve hot and enjoy!