Creamy Beef and Shells Delightful Family Dinner

by
To make this creamy beef and shells dish, you will need a few simple ingredients. Each one brings its own flavor and texture to the meal. Here’s what you will need: - Ground Beef - Shell Pasta - Heavy Cream - Beef Broth - Cheddar Cheese - Onion, Garlic - Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika - Olive Oil, Fresh Parsley - Seasoning (Salt and Pepper) Using quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh garlic and onion add a rich base, while the beef provides a hearty feel. The shell pasta holds the creamy sauce well, making every bite satisfying. Heavy cream gives that rich texture, and cheddar cheese adds a lovely sharpness. Don't forget the herbs! Italian seasoning and smoked paprika add warmth and depth. This combination creates a balanced dish that your family will love. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once the water is boiling, add the shell pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef completely, then drain any excess fat. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour in one cup of beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and slowly stir in one cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth. Fold in the cooked shell pasta and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is combined. Taste the mixture to check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy beef and shells hot. Garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy this comforting meal with your family! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To make the cream sauce rich, use heavy cream. This will give it a nice, thick texture. Heat the cream slowly to avoid burning. Stir it gently as it warms. Adding the cream too fast can cause lumps. Keep it simmering, not boiling. This helps blend all the flavors well. Cook the shell pasta until just al dente. This means it should still be firm when bitten. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce stick. Save a bit of pasta water. You can use it to adjust the sauce later if needed. When browning the ground beef, use medium-high heat. This helps it cook quickly and brown nicely. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain excess fat right away. Overcooked beef can become dry. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat once done. Serve the creamy beef and shells in deep bowls. This makes it easy to enjoy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top. Pair this dish with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor! {{image_2}} You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These meats offer a lighter taste. If you prefer plant-based options, try lentils or veggie crumbles. They add great texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to get them right. Adding veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Try diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for a great base. You can also toss in frozen peas for a pop of color. These options make the dish more colorful and fun. While cheddar cheese gives a nice taste, you can switch it up. Use mozzarella for a stretchy texture or gouda for a smoky flavor. Cream cheese can also add richness to the sauce. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique taste every time. To enhance flavor, add spices like chili powder or cumin. These spices can give a fun kick to the dish. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also brighten the taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to create your ideal flavor profile. For the full recipe, check the details above. Store any leftover creamy beef and shells in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. When you store it, make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods. This helps keep its flavor intact. To reheat, place the creamy beef and shells in a skillet. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low until warm, stirring often. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until hot. You can freeze creamy beef and shells for up to three months. To do this, cool the dish completely before you pack it. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it using the instructions above. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime! You can use whole milk as a lighter option. It gives a creamy texture but with less fat. Another choice is to mix equal parts of milk and butter. This will mimic the richness of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These can add a unique flavor to your dish. Yes, whole wheat pasta works great! It adds more fiber and a nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that it may cook faster than regular pasta. So, check the package for cooking times to avoid overcooking. This dish stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it flavorful and safe to eat. Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead. Just follow the steps until you mix in the pasta. Store the mixture in the fridge, then heat it up when ready. Add the pasta right before serving for the best taste. For the full recipe, check above! This blog post covered how to make a creamy beef and shell dish. We looked at the key ingredients, like beef, pasta, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for cooking, and ways to customize the recipe. Storing tips ensure your leftovers stay fresh. In the end, this dish is easy to make and delicious. You can enjoy it your way with simple changes. Happy cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a quick and tasty family dinner? You’ll love Creamy Beef and Shells! This dish combines tender pasta, juicy ground beef, and a rich cheese sauce into a wholesome meal. It’s simple to make and perfect for busy nights. Gather your loved ones and let’s dig into this delightful recipe that everyone will enjoy. Ready to impress your family? Let’s get cooking!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

To make this creamy beef and shells dish, you will need a few simple ingredients. Each one brings its own flavor and texture to the meal. Here’s what you will need:

– Ground Beef

– Shell Pasta

– Heavy Cream

– Beef Broth

– Cheddar Cheese

– Onion, Garlic

– Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika

– Olive Oil, Fresh Parsley

– Seasoning (Salt and Pepper)

Using quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh garlic and onion add a rich base, while the beef provides a hearty feel. The shell pasta holds the creamy sauce well, making every bite satisfying. Heavy cream gives that rich texture, and cheddar cheese adds a lovely sharpness. Don’t forget the herbs! Italian seasoning and smoked paprika add warmth and depth. This combination creates a balanced dish that your family will love. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once the water is boiling, add the shell pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

Preparing the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef completely, then drain any excess fat.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour in one cup of beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and slowly stir in one cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth.

Combining Ingredients

Fold in the cooked shell pasta and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is combined. Taste the mixture to check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy beef and shells hot. Garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy this comforting meal with your family! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Cream Sauce

To make the cream sauce rich, use heavy cream. This will give it a nice, thick texture. Heat the cream slowly to avoid burning. Stir it gently as it warms. Adding the cream too fast can cause lumps. Keep it simmering, not boiling. This helps blend all the flavors well.

Pasta Cooking Tips

Cook the shell pasta until just al dente. This means it should still be firm when bitten. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce stick. Save a bit of pasta water. You can use it to adjust the sauce later if needed.

How to Avoid Overcooked Beef

When browning the ground beef, use medium-high heat. This helps it cook quickly and brown nicely. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain excess fat right away. Overcooked beef can become dry. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat once done.

Serving and Plating Tips

Serve the creamy beef and shells in deep bowls. This makes it easy to enjoy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top. Pair this dish with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor!

Variations

Substitutions for Ground Beef

You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These meats offer a lighter taste. If you prefer plant-based options, try lentils or veggie crumbles. They add great texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to get them right.

Adding Vegetables

Adding veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Try diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for a great base. You can also toss in frozen peas for a pop of color. These options make the dish more colorful and fun.

Different Cheese Options

While cheddar cheese gives a nice taste, you can switch it up. Use mozzarella for a stretchy texture or gouda for a smoky flavor. Cream cheese can also add richness to the sauce. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique taste every time.

Spices for Extra Flavor

To enhance flavor, add spices like chili powder or cumin. These spices can give a fun kick to the dish. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also brighten the taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to create your ideal flavor profile. For the full recipe, check the details above.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy beef and shells in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. When you store it, make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods. This helps keep its flavor intact.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, place the creamy beef and shells in a skillet. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low until warm, stirring often. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until hot.

Freezing for Later Use

You can freeze creamy beef and shells for up to three months. To do this, cool the dish completely before you pack it. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it using the instructions above. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime!

FAQs

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use whole milk as a lighter option. It gives a creamy texture but with less fat. Another choice is to mix equal parts of milk and butter. This will mimic the richness of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These can add a unique flavor to your dish.

Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, whole wheat pasta works great! It adds more fiber and a nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that it may cook faster than regular pasta. So, check the package for cooking times to avoid overcooking.

How long does Creamy Beef and Shells last in the fridge?

This dish stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it flavorful and safe to eat.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead. Just follow the steps until you mix in the pasta. Store the mixture in the fridge, then heat it up when ready. Add the pasta right before serving for the best taste. For the full recipe, check above!

This blog post covered how to make a creamy beef and shell dish. We looked at the key ingredients, like beef, pasta, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for cooking, and ways to customize the recipe. Storing tips ensure your leftovers stay fresh.

In the end, this dish is easy to make and delicious. You can enjoy it your way with simple changes. Happy cooking!

To make this creamy beef and shells dish, you will need a few simple ingredients. Each one brings its own flavor and texture to the meal. Here’s what you will need: - Ground Beef - Shell Pasta - Heavy Cream - Beef Broth - Cheddar Cheese - Onion, Garlic - Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika - Olive Oil, Fresh Parsley - Seasoning (Salt and Pepper) Using quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh garlic and onion add a rich base, while the beef provides a hearty feel. The shell pasta holds the creamy sauce well, making every bite satisfying. Heavy cream gives that rich texture, and cheddar cheese adds a lovely sharpness. Don't forget the herbs! Italian seasoning and smoked paprika add warmth and depth. This combination creates a balanced dish that your family will love. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once the water is boiling, add the shell pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef completely, then drain any excess fat. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour in one cup of beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and slowly stir in one cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth. Fold in the cooked shell pasta and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is combined. Taste the mixture to check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy beef and shells hot. Garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy this comforting meal with your family! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To make the cream sauce rich, use heavy cream. This will give it a nice, thick texture. Heat the cream slowly to avoid burning. Stir it gently as it warms. Adding the cream too fast can cause lumps. Keep it simmering, not boiling. This helps blend all the flavors well. Cook the shell pasta until just al dente. This means it should still be firm when bitten. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce stick. Save a bit of pasta water. You can use it to adjust the sauce later if needed. When browning the ground beef, use medium-high heat. This helps it cook quickly and brown nicely. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain excess fat right away. Overcooked beef can become dry. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat once done. Serve the creamy beef and shells in deep bowls. This makes it easy to enjoy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top. Pair this dish with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor! {{image_2}} You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These meats offer a lighter taste. If you prefer plant-based options, try lentils or veggie crumbles. They add great texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to get them right. Adding veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Try diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for a great base. You can also toss in frozen peas for a pop of color. These options make the dish more colorful and fun. While cheddar cheese gives a nice taste, you can switch it up. Use mozzarella for a stretchy texture or gouda for a smoky flavor. Cream cheese can also add richness to the sauce. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique taste every time. To enhance flavor, add spices like chili powder or cumin. These spices can give a fun kick to the dish. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also brighten the taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to create your ideal flavor profile. For the full recipe, check the details above. Store any leftover creamy beef and shells in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. When you store it, make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods. This helps keep its flavor intact. To reheat, place the creamy beef and shells in a skillet. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low until warm, stirring often. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until hot. You can freeze creamy beef and shells for up to three months. To do this, cool the dish completely before you pack it. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it using the instructions above. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime! You can use whole milk as a lighter option. It gives a creamy texture but with less fat. Another choice is to mix equal parts of milk and butter. This will mimic the richness of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These can add a unique flavor to your dish. Yes, whole wheat pasta works great! It adds more fiber and a nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that it may cook faster than regular pasta. So, check the package for cooking times to avoid overcooking. This dish stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it flavorful and safe to eat. Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead. Just follow the steps until you mix in the pasta. Store the mixture in the fridge, then heat it up when ready. Add the pasta right before serving for the best taste. For the full recipe, check above! This blog post covered how to make a creamy beef and shell dish. We looked at the key ingredients, like beef, pasta, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for cooking, and ways to customize the recipe. Storing tips ensure your leftovers stay fresh. In the end, this dish is easy to make and delicious. You can enjoy it your way with simple changes. Happy cooking!

Creamy Beef and Shells

Indulge in this creamy beef and shells recipe that’s perfect for a cozy dinner! With tender ground beef, rich heavy cream, and gooey cheddar cheese, this comforting dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Follow simple steps to create a delicious meal your family will love. Ready to impress everyone at the table? Click through for the full recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

8 oz medium shell pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup beef broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

    Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

      Add Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.

        Season and Combine: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.

          Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, allowing the mixture to come together. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

            Mix In Pasta and Cheese: Fold in the cooked shell pasta and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and everything is well-combined.

              Taste and Adjust: Taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt and pepper if needed.

                Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?