Creamy Beef and Shells
Creamy Beef and Shells is a delightful comfort dish that brings together the rich flavors of beef, tender pasta shells, and a luscious creamy sauce. The combination of savory ingredients creates a satisfying meal perfect for those cozy evenings at home or any gathering with family and friends. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out, making it a great option for dinner or a casual party.
This recipe shines with its creamy texture and flavor, packing a savory punch that everyone will love. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly night or serving it to guests, Creamy Beef and Shells is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This meal is not just filling but also simple to put together, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time:
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 35 min
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Start by cooking the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water until they are al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Once done, drain and set them aside, as you want them ready to mingle with the creamy sauce later.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with the chopped onions and minced garlic. This step should take about 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning and make sure to drain any excess fat afterward for a cleaner taste.
Once your beef is fully cooked, add in the beef broth and season with Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for around 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Now, stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This will give your dish a rich, creamy texture that balances with the lean beef.
Finally, fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring they are well-coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning for that extra touch of flavor.
Pro Tips
Use Lean Meat: Opting for lean ground beef reduces the fat content of your dish and makes it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. If you want a richer taste, you could choose a slightly fattier cut.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking your shells until just al dente is crucial. They will continue to cook slightly in the sauce, and you don’t want them mushy.
Simmering Is Key: Allowing the sauce to simmer for enough time will deepen the flavor profile. Don’t rush this step; it helps the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Add Veggies: Consider adding some vegetables like spinach or tomatoes for added nutrition and color. They not only enhance the dish but also introduce new flavors.
Experiment with Broth: While low-sodium beef broth is great, feel free to experiment with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different taste profile.
Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepped ahead of time. Just hold off on adding the pasta until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Beef and Shells deliver a perfect blend of flavors that are hearty and satisfying. The smoothness of the cream pairs beautifully with the richness of the ground beef, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug. One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare, yet it feels special enough for a family gathering or casual get-together.
Additionally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences, making it a great option for anyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or snuggling in for a cozy solo night, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells
Presentation can elevate this comforting dish from simple to stunning. Consider serving it in a large bowl with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning on top for a pop of color. Accompany your meal with a fresh side salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a refreshing counterbalance.
For drinks, a chilled white wine or sparkling water can complement the richness of the dish well. You might also serve some warm, crusty bread or garlic bread on the side—always a fantastic addition to soak up the creamy sauce.
How to Store Creamy Beef and Shells
For refrigerator storage, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well for about 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
Always adjust your seasoning according to taste. You may find you want more Italian seasoning or a touch of heat with red pepper flakes. If time is tight, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making the creamy sauce from scratch for a quicker meal.
Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a good plant-based meat alternative or use sautéed mushrooms and lentils for texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta options available in stores.
- Creamy Vegan Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and beef with lentils for a hearty, dairy-free version.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approx. 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
This dish is rich in protein from the beef and provides a comforting amount of calories and carbohydrates, making it quite filling.
Storage and Reheating
To reheat leftovers, you have a few options:
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Skillet: Add a splash of beef broth or water to a skillet and rewarm over medium heat, stirring until heated through.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to adjust flavors by adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an added freshness. You can also play around with cheeses, like shredded mozzarella or Parmesan, melted on top for an even creamier texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: This can make your dish mushy. Aim for al dente for the best texture.
- Not Draining Excess Fat: Leaving the grease from the beef will make the sauce oily and unappealing.
- Skipping Taste Testing: Be sure to taste and adjust seasonings during cooking to ensure balanced flavors.
- Rushing the Cream Addition: Letting the beef and broth mixture simmer before adding cream helps deepen the flavors.
- Ignoring Leftovers: Don’t let them sit for too long! This dish tastes best within a few days.
Serving Occasions
Creamy Beef and Shells is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. This versatile dish can adapt, fitting right in during casual lunches or even holiday gatherings when you want something hearty but not too complicated.
Why Make This Recipe
What sets Creamy Beef and Shells apart is its cozy, comforting nature matched with its straightforward preparation. Many pasta dishes can feel heavy or complicated, but this one strikes a perfect balance of flavors and ease. The creamy sauce coats every shell and chunk of beef in rich goodness, making it truly satisfying. Plus, it’s flexible enough to suit various dietary needs while still satisfying the taste buds.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Add the pasta just before serving for the best texture.What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You could use half-and-half for a lighter option or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.How can I make it spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce can easily give this dish a spicy kick.Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Just be sure you have a large enough pan to cook everything evenly.How do leftovers taste?
Leftovers can be just as delicious! The flavors often meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information provided is approximate, and ingredients may vary based on preparation and brand.
Enjoy making and sharing this comforting dish that easily becomes a family favorite!
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onions and minced garlic for about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add beef broth and Italian seasoning to the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for around 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring they are well-coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Italian seasoning.