Looking for a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and delicious? Look no further than this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe. It combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and Italian seasoning, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. Topped with melted extra-sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to become a staple on your family’s dinner table.
Ingredients:
8 ounces medium pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 medium sweet onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef stock
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
3/4 cup heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
Directions:
Prepare Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside for later use.
Brown the Beef: In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s nicely browned, usually about 3-5 minutes. Ensure to break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Sauté Onion: Into the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook it, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent, typically about 2-3 minutes.
Infuse with Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, allowing them to cook until fragrant, usually about 1 minute.
Create the Base: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly until it’s lightly browned, approximately 1 minute.
Build the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens, usually about 6-8 minutes.
Combine and Heat: Add the cooked pasta, browned beef, and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until everything is heated through, which typically takes 1-2 minutes. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Creamy Beef and Shells dish is now ready to be served. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Tips:
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top of the dish for a burst of color and added freshness.
Pair with Garlic Bread: Serve your Creamy Beef and Shells alongside warm, toasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Add a Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the dish by serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with your favorite vinaigrette dressing.
Customize with Toppings: Encourage your family to personalize their plates by offering a variety of toppings such as grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, or chopped green onions.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat with Care: To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.
Freeze for Future Meals: Creamy Beef and Shells can be frozen for longer-term storage. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Refresh Before Serving: When reheating leftovers, you may want to add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Related Recipes:
- Taco Stuffed Shells: Pasta Perfection Unleashed!
- Hearty Cheeseburger Casserole
- San Giorgio Stuffed Shells Recipe with Meat
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While medium pasta shells work wonderfully in this dish, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time according to the instructions on the pasta package.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Certainly! If you prefer, you can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure your protein is thoroughly cooked.
How can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?
To make this dish lighter, you can opt for lean ground beef or turkey, and use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives for the heavy cream and cheese. Additionally, you can increase the amount of vegetables in the sauce by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Whole wheat pasta can also be used for added fiber.
Can I make this dish in advance for meal prep?
Absolutely! Creamy Beef and Shells is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can prepare the dish in its entirety and store it in individual portions in the refrigerator for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through, and enjoy!
Conclusion:
In just under 40 minutes, you can treat your family to a delicious and comforting meal with this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe. With its hearty flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a satisfying dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Beef and Shells
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a comforting Creamy Beef and Shells recipe, featuring tender pasta shells bathed in a luscious, savory sauce. This hearty dish, enriched with Italian seasoning and extra-sharp cheddar, promises a delightful dining experience for the whole family.
Ingredients
8 ounces medium pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 medium sweet onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef stock
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
3/4 cup heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in olive oil, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in flour, gradually adding beef stock and tomato sauce.
- Simmer until slightly thickened, then add cream, pasta, and beef.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use lean ground beef and low-fat dairy alternatives.
Customize with additional vegetables or protein substitutes as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
