Creamy Beef and Shells

This Creamy Beef and Shells dish is an easy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for picky eaters. A creamy, savory sauce combined with tender beef and pasta makes this dish a quick family favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish the whole family will enjoy, this recipe checks all the boxes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food that comes together with minimal effort. The rich, creamy sauce coats the tender pasta shells, while the savory ground beef adds protein and heartiness to the dish. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy nights when you want something both filling and satisfying. Plus, it’s customizable – feel free to add extra veggies or change up the cheese for a different flavor profile. With its simple ingredients and amazing flavor, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon mustard powder

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef stock

• 1 (15-ounce) jar tomato sauce

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 ½ cups)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.

2. Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

3. Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Make the sauce: Whisk in the flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

6. Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, about 6-8 minutes.

7. Combine pasta and beef: Stir in the cooked pasta, beef, and heavy cream, and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

9. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 0 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Calories: 460 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: You can add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to this dish for extra veggies.

• Different Cheese: Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Parmesan, or a cheese blend of your choice for a different flavor.

• Spicy Beef and Shells: Add some red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce for a spicy twist.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of beef stock or milk to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up to step 8 and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While medium shells work best for this recipe, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese and a non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk, instead of heavy cream.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

To make it spicier, add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño when you add the garlic and seasonings.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve more people. Just be sure to use a larger skillet and adjust the cooking times as needed.

7. How do I know when the sauce is thickened enough?

The sauce is done when it coats the back of a spoon. It should be thick enough to stick to the pasta, but not too thick that it becomes paste-like.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

9. Can I make this dish without flour?

Yes, you can omit the flour or use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour substitute to thicken the sauce.

10. Can I add other meats to this dish?

Yes, you can add sausage, ground turkey, or even diced chicken for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Shells is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both quick and satisfying. The combination of tender beef, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta makes this a comforting and flavorful dish that your whole family will love. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s the perfect go-to recipe when you need a delicious meal in no time! Enjoy!

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