Creamy Beef and Shells

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Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells is a beloved comfort food that everyone in the family can enjoy. This recipe is great for busy weeknights because it’s simple, quick to prepare, and requires common ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The creamy cheese sauce combined with ground beef and pasta shells creates a delightful dish that warms the heart and satisfies the stomach. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra flavors that kids might not otherwise enjoy, ensuring that they get a well-rounded meal.

Another reason to make Creamy Beef and Shells is its versatile nature. You can easily adapt this dish to suit your preferences or dietary requirements, making it suitable for many occasions. Whether you need a hearty dinner meal or a comforting dish for a potluck, this recipe can fit the bill.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Let’s dive into the steps for creating this delightful dish from scratch. By following this simple recipe, you’ll have a comforting meal on the table in no time.

Ingredients

To make Creamy Beef and Shells, you will need:

8 ounces medium pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
½ medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon mustard powder
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef stock
15 ounces can tomato sauce
¾ cup heavy cream
6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste

With all these ingredients ready, you can start cooking!

Directions

Prepare the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the medium pasta shells. Cook them until they are al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once they are cooked, drain the shells and set them aside.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks, and continue to cook until the beef is browned all the way through. This step should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Onions and Garlic: With the beef cooked, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté it until the onion is translucent, which may take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it is fragrant.
Season the Mixture: Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Make sure everything is well combined. This will build a great flavor base for your sauce.
Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and mix well to combine. The flour will help thicken your sauce later.
Add Liquids: Gently pour in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring everything to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Cream: After the sauce has simmered, reduce the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, mixing until it’s completely blended and creamy.
Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese to the skillet. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is rich and creamy.
Combine with Pasta: Fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef mixture. Make sure all the shells are well-coated with the delicious sauce.
Taste and Serve: Finally, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Creamy Beef and Shells!

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

Serving Creamy Beef and Shells is simple and rewarding! You can scoop it into individual bowls and let everyone enjoy. This dish goes great with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. You may also want to sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Make sure to keep some additional shredded cheese at the table for those who might want an extra cheesy kick. Kids especially love a generous helping of cheese, so don’t be shy about adding more!

How to Store Creamy Beef and Shells

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious), you can store Creamy Beef and Shells easily. Simply let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator, where it should be good for about 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or additional cream when reheating to ensure it remains creamy.

For longer storage, you can freeze Creamy Beef and Shells. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming it on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Choose the Right Ground Beef: You can use different types of ground meat for this recipe, such as turkey or chicken, which can lighten the dish.
Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to customize the herbs and spices in this recipe. If you enjoy some heat, you might add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Experiment with Cheese: While extra sharp cheddar is fantastic, you can mix in other cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.
Add Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. These can enhance the nutrition of the dish and add even more flavor!
Make it Ahead of Time: You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time, and just add the pasta when you’re ready to serve. This is especially helpful for those busy weeknights.

Variation

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and substitute low-fat cream instead of heavy cream. For vegetarian options, you can replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms. You may also want to top it off with some baked breadcrumbs to add a crunchy texture!

FAQs

1. How long does it take to make Creamy Beef and Shells?
It takes about 30-40 minutes in total to prepare and cook this delicious dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!

2. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While medium pasta shells work great in this recipe, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

3. Is it possible to make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

4. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free cream, depending on your dietary needs.

5. How do I make it spicier?
If you like your meals with a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños when cooking the beef. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you’d like the dish to be!

With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and comforting warmth, Creamy Beef and Shells is a dish that never fails to please. Whether you are serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it as leftovers, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Enjoy the simple pleasure of cooking and indulging in this wonderfully satisfying meal.