Creamy Paprika Beef Shells

Rich, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, these creamy paprika ground beef shells are the perfect comfort food. Bold, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a weeknight favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Paprika Beef Shells dish brings together rich, savory flavors with a smoky paprika kick, creating a comforting and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and beef broth, coats the pasta and beef perfectly, while the Parmesan adds a cheesy richness that makes every bite irresistible. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 12 oz shell pasta

• 1 lb ground beef

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup beef broth

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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

Directions

Cook the pasta:

1. Cook the shell pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Cook the ground beef:

2. Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed and set aside.

Make the sauce:

4. Reduce the heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, then sauté the garlic for 1 minute.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Finish the dish:

6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

7. Add the cooked pasta and ground beef back to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce.

Serve:

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.

• Cheesy: Stir in more cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesier version of this dish.

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli if you prefer. The sauce will coat all pasta shapes similarly.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and then combine the two.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the dish before adding the pasta. After the sauce and beef are combined, let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and cook the pasta separately before combining.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes would work great in this dish. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the cream and broth.

5. Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika?

Yes, you can use regular paprika, but smoked paprika gives the dish a deeper, smokier flavor. You may need to add a touch more of it to achieve the same depth.

6. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even mozzarella for a different flavor.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more smoked paprika, or stir in chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce for additional heat.

8. Can I make this dish without beef broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even chicken broth as an alternative. If you don’t have broth, just use water, but you may want to add extra seasonings.

9. Can I use ground chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground chicken would be a great alternative. It will give a slightly different flavor but will still pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

10. Can I add more garlic to this dish?

Absolutely! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more garlic to the dish for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Paprika Beef Shells is a quick and easy comfort food recipe that combines tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and smoky paprika into a satisfying dish. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something hearty and comforting in under 30 minutes. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete and delicious meal!

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