Delicious Creamy Beef Shells: A Comforting Delight

Creamy Beef Shells is a comforting dish that blends nostalgic flavors with modern simplicity, making it a must-try for dinner. This recipe combines hearty pasta shells with rich, creamy beef sauce, perfect for a family meal or a cozy night in. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms both the heart and the stomach, ensuring everyone at the table will leave satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef Shells

This Creamy Beef Shells recipe is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. Here are a few reasons to love it:

• Quick cooking time—ready in just 45 minutes.
• Rich flavors from the beef and cheese create a delicious combination.
• Great for meal prep—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable with vegetables for added nutrition.
• A family-friendly dish that pleases even picky eaters.
• Can be made as a one-pot creamy beef shell meal.

With a blend of comfort food beef shells and cheesy goodness, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home, especially in the Italian cuisine category.

Ingredients for Creamy Beef Shells

Gather these items:

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 15 ounces can tomato sauce
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Creamy Beef Shells Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Cook the medium pasta shells according to package instructions, ensuring they’re al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder, and flour; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef stock and tomato sauce; bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Combine the cooked pasta shells with the meat sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Beef Shells

Keep these in mind:

• For extra creaminess, consider adding more heavy cream or cheese.
• Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Beef Shells

Here are a few ideas:

• Top with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
• Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Pair with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Beef Shells

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. This dish is great for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Beef Shells

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Beef Shells?

The secret lies in cooking the pasta just right and ensuring the sauce is creamy without being too runny. Use quality cheese for the best flavor.

Can I make Creamy Beef Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce and pasta shells separately in advance, then combine them before serving for a quick meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Beef Shells?

Be cautious not to overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy. Also, make sure to blend the sauce thoroughly to achieve the desired creaminess.

Variations of Creamy Beef Shells You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations:

• Add spinach or kale for a nutritious twist.
• Incorporate different cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan for varied flavors.
• Try ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.

Delicious Creamy Beef Shells: A Comforting Delight

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting dish that blends nostalgic flavors with modern simplicity, making it a must-try for dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 15 ounces can tomato sauce
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the medium pasta shells according to package instructions, ensuring they’re al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder, and flour; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in the beef stock and tomato sauce; bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Combine the cooked pasta shells with the meat sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg