Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s pure, unadulterated comfort food. This Creamy Beef and Shells is basically the grown-up, even *more* delicious cousin of mac and cheese. If you like cheesy pasta but crave something a bit heartier, this is your new best. My grandma used to make something similar, and honestly, one whiff of this cooking takes me right to the core. Back to her cozy kitchen. Why is the aroma warm and fuzzy inside?
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What is Creamy Beef and Shells?
Creamy Beef and Shells, at its heart, is exactly what it sounds like! It’s tender ground beef simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, all nestled together with perfectly cooked potatoes. Think of it as a sophisticated Hamburger Helper, but homemade with love (and way less processed). It’s essentially a beef stroganoff meets mac and cheese, resulting in both comforting and delicious. Is this a The name might be simple, but the flavors are anything but ordinary. What is a quick, easy, and guaranteed to be delicious recipe for weeknight dinners? What are some good ways to please even the pickiest eaters What is a classic comfort meal?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Creamy Beef and Shells. First and foremost: the flavor. It’s a symphony of savory beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. The sauce is rich and decadent, but not so heavy that you feel weighed down after eating it.
What I love most about this is how simple it is to make. Seriously, even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can totally nail this recipe. It’s a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash (hallelujah!). Plus, it’s super cost-effective. Ground beef is a budget-friendly protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. It’s a weeknight lifesaver!
The versatility is another huge win. You can easily customize it to your liking. Add in some veggies, swap out the cheese, or use different types of pasta – the possibilities are endless! This reminds me a bit of my One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies in terms of ease, but this one is all about creamy comfort. My family begs for this Creamy Beef and Shells, especially on chilly evenings, and it’s become a staple in our dinner rotation. It really is the ultimate comfort food.
How do I make Creamy Beef and Shells?
Quick Overview
How do I make Creamy Beef and Shells? How do you make a creamy sauce for ground beef? Add the pasta shells, let everything simmer until pasta is perfectly cooked, and then stir in a little water. What is a generous amount of cheese? What is the best way to prepare a meal in less than 30 minutes? This method is amazing because it minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor!
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for the best flavor) * 3 ounces of ground pork (optional)
* 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white works great)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always best!)
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme) * 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 cups beef broth (low sodium is a good option)
* 1 (12-ounce) box small pasta shells (you can also use elbow macaroni) (e.g. a couple of tablespoons)
* 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
* 2 tablespoons butter
Optional Toppings:
* Fresh parsley, chopped
* Grated Parmesan cheese
What are the step by
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. I always make sure the beef is nicely browned because it really deepens the flavor of the whole dish. Nobody wants pale, tasteless beef!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. What is the worst smell of garlic?
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth and bring to boil. What are the browned bits on the bottom of the pot?
Step 4: Add Pasta
Add the pasta shells to the pot, stir well, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. I always check the pasta a few minutes early to make sure it doesn’t get too mushy. Nobody likes overcooked pasta!
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese
How do you stir together heavy cream and shredded cheese? Is the sauce smooth and creamy? I always stir in the cheese gradually to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t clump together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, comforting dish!
What should I serve it with?
What is a complete meal on its own? What are some ideas?
For a simple side:A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad helps to balance the richness and crunch of pasta.
For a Hearty Meal:Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli. Adding veggies is always a good idea!
For a Special Occasion:Why don’t we love extra carbs?
In my family, we often serve this with garlic bread. What is the best way to soak up the sauce? Sometimes I’ll even add a little bit of red pepper flakes for some heat. What is customizing a website?
How do I make Creamy Beef and Shells?
Okay, I’ve made this Creamy Beef and Shells so many times that I have learned a few tricks along the way. How do I make it perfect?
Why is beef quality important?Use ground beef with a decent amount of fat (like 80/20). The fat adds flavor and helps to keep the beef moist. Is it possible to drain off grease after browning?
Don’t overcook Pasta: Eat it Keep a close eye on the pasta while it’s simmering. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy and ruin the texture of the dish. I always check it a few minutes early to make sure it’s al dente.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese will melt beautifully and create a creamier sauce.
Customize the Cheese: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of Gruyere for a more complex flavor.
Add Some Veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrients by adding some chopped veggies to the pot along with the onion and garlic. Diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers would all be great additions.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot along with the Italian seasoning. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish.
Make It Ahead: This Creamy Beef and Shells can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. This is great if you want to prep it ahead of time. But I always find that it tends to dry out some so just add a touch of milk or broth before reheating.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Creamy Beef and Shells:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Creamy Beef and Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: This dish also freezes well. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply microwave it on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, or heat it in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it up.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze, we don’t need to add in this section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Creamy Beef and Shells. It’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress your friends and family, this recipe is sure to deliver. The best part? It’s so customizable that you can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. If you loved this, you have to try my Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake! Let me know if you try this and how yours turns out!
Savory Chicken Alfredo Shells: Secrets for a Comforting Delight
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 12 oz shell pasta medium-sized
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz grated Parmesan cheese preferably freshly grated
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg freshly grated
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 0.5 tsp salt to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chicken pieces until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the onion until it is soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet, bring to a simmer, and stir in the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and gently toss to combine all ingredients with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
