Creamy Beef Shells is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner featuring tender pasta shells combined with savory ground beef in a rich, cheesy tomato cream sauce. This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as you stir the creamy sauce, enticing the whole family to the dinner table. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef Shells
There are countless reasons to adore this Creamy Beef Shells dish. Here are just a few:
- It’s a quick and easy meal, taking only 30 minutes to prepare.
- Rich in flavor, combining savory beef with creamy sauce creates a delightful taste.
- Perfect for an intimate family dinner or when hosting friends.
- Can be customized with various ingredients like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- This savory beef shells recipe is kid-friendly, making it ideal for family dinners.
- It’s made in one pot, ensuring easy clean-up.
- This dish accommodates gluten-free diets with simple substitutions.
- With its cheesy goodness, it’s a great way to incorporate more protein into your diet.
Ingredients for Creamy Beef Shells
Gather these items:
- 8 ounces uncooked medium-size shells
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 14 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
How to Make Creamy Beef Shells Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Boil the shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain most of the fat using a spoon or colander to reduce greasiness.
- Step 3: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors together.
- Step 5: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is hot and creamy in texture. Add the cooked pasta shells and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Step 6: Mix in the freshly shredded parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Beef Shells
Keep these in mind:
- Use lean ground beef to cut down on grease.
- For added flavor, sauté the garlic until golden before adding other ingredients.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist on flavor.
- Consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- This dish is best served fresh but can also be refrigerated and reheated.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Beef Shells
Here are a few creative serving ideas:
- Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
- Serve with garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
- Top with crushed red pepper for a spicy kick, perfect for the cheesy beef pasta shells lover!
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Beef Shells
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This one-pot creamy beef shells meal can be reheated on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce, ensuring it remains creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Beef Shells
What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Beef Shells?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors and creamy texture. Use quality beef and allow the sauce to simmer, enhancing the taste profile of this comfort food creamy beef shells dish.
Can I make Creamy Beef Shells ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and store it separately from the pasta. Combine them right before serving for best results with this easy creamy beef shells recipe.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Beef Shells?
Avoid overcooking the pasta and beef, as this can lead to a mushy texture. Also, remember to taste your sauce and adjust seasonings as needed to achieve that perfect beef pasta shells with creamy sauce flavor.
Variations of Creamy Beef Shells You Can Try
Here are some delicious variations to consider:
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat shells and add spinach for a pop of color and nutrients.
- Try different proteins like turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Incorporate mushrooms for an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or using a spicy sausage instead of ground beef.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells or Beefaroni Recipe.
For more tips on cooking with beef, visit Last Recipes for inspiration.
Print
Creamy Beef Shells: 5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner featuring tender pasta shells combined with savory ground beef in a rich, cheesy tomato cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked medium-size shells
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 14 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Boil the shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain most of the fat using a spoon or colander to reduce greasiness.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors together.
- Stir in the heavy whipping cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is hot and creamy in texture. Add the cooked pasta shells and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Mix in the freshly shredded parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Creamy Beef Shells