Creamy Beef and Shells is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender pasta shells with a rich, savory beef sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. The combination of ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta shells creates a delightful, crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will love.
The origins of creamy pasta dishes can be traced back to Italian cuisine, where pasta is often paired with a variety of sauces, including creamy ones made with cheese, cream, and butter. This particular dish, however, has a more American twist, incorporating familiar comfort food elements to create a meal that’s both nostalgic and universally appealing.
Creamy Beef and Shells is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. By tweaking the ingredients and adding your favorite vegetables or spices, you can create your own unique version of this classic dish. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe for Creamy Beef and Shells, along with various suggestions for customizing it to your liking.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Ingredients
8 oz medium pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
Add the Cheese:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
Spicy Beef and Shells:
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegetable-Packed Beef and Shells:
Stir in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or peas to add more nutrition and color to the dish.
Cheesy Beef and Shells:
Increase the amount of cheese for an extra cheesy version. You can also mix in different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda.
Herb-Infused Beef and Shells:
Add fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Substitutions
Ground Turkey or Chicken:
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
Dairy-Free Option:
Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream, and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
Gluten-Free Pasta:
Replace the regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Lower-Fat Version:
Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese to make the dish lower in fat.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together the richness of creamy pasta with the savory flavors of seasoned beef. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be customized in countless ways to suit your preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the comforting taste and versatility of Creamy Beef and Shells, and feel free to get creative with your own additions and tweaks.