Name: Creamy Beef and Shells
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 8 oz large pasta shells (or any pasta of your choice); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a luscious, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even for feeding a crowd. The rich and flavorful sauce envelops the pasta and beef, making every bite indulgent and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to prepare, but delicious enough to feel like a special treat.

What makes this recipe so great is its simplicity. It uses common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator, yet the end result feels like something you’d order at a restaurant. The creamy sauce is made from a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and a touch of broth, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. Add in some garlic, onion, and seasonings, and you’ve got a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, Creamy Beef and Shells is guaranteed to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without all the fuss.

2. Comfort Food at Its Best

With creamy sauce and savory beef, this dish is pure comfort food that will warm you up from the inside out.

3. Family-Friendly

Pasta, cheese, and beef—what’s not to love? This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.

4. Versatile

You can easily adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your tastes. Add extra veggies, swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken, or make it spicier with a pinch of chili flakes.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This recipe makes plenty of servings, and the leftovers taste just as good the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or lunch.

Ingredients

Large pasta shells
Ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Cream cheese, softened
Sour cream
Beef broth (or chicken broth)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Beef and Shells: Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture to sneak in some extra veggies.
Cheesy Beef and Shells: Use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a cheesier, meltier dish.
Spicy Beef and Shells: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture to spice things up.
Chicken and Shells: Replace the ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives, and opt for a plant-based cheese.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the beef is fully cooked, add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into the beef. Pour in the beef broth and sour cream, mixing everything together until smooth and creamy. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the creamy beef mixture. Stir gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated into the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
Use a Nonstick Skillet: A nonstick skillet helps prevent the creamy sauce from sticking and ensures smooth, even cooking.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more broth or milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences. A pinch of paprika or garlic powder can add extra flavor.

How to Serve

Creamy Beef and Shells is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a more complete meal. A few slices of crusty bread will help scoop up any leftover sauce, making it even more satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Beef and Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to the dish to keep the sauce creamy. Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni in place of the shells. Just make sure the pasta is sturdy enough to hold the creamy sauce.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two before serving. Reheat it on the stovetop with a little broth to maintain the creaminess.

3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner version of the dish.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to give it a spicy kick.

5. Can I use half-and-half instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce. However, the sour cream adds a nice tangy flavor that might be lost with half-and-half.

6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you can cook the beef in a slow cooker and then add the creamy sauce ingredients. However, it may require more time to cook.

7. How can I make this dish more vegetable-packed?

Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free alternatives for the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese, and opt for vegetable broth in place of beef broth.

9. How can I make this dish more filling?

Add more protein, such as sausage or chicken, or increase the amount of pasta to make the dish heartier.

10. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the tender pasta and savory beef, making every bite satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re feeding your family or making a batch for leftovers, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it as is or make it your own with a few simple variations—either way, it’s guaranteed to please!