Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The Secret to a Rich and Creamy Sauce
- Choosing the Best Pasta for This Dish
- Meal Prep and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This creamy beef and shells recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for quick and easy weeknight meals. It’s rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to dish for busy families.
A Comforting Classic: Creamy Beef and Shells
Welcome to Betty Cooks, where we bring you delicious, family-friendly meals that are easy to make. This creamy beef and shells dish is one of our all-time favorite dinner recipes—a rich and flavorful meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. If you’re looking for easy recipes that taste like they took hours to prepare, you’re in the right place.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
- It’s packed with flavor, thanks to a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Perfect for meal prep—leftovers taste just as good the next day!
- Kid-friendly and picky eater-approved.
The Secret to a Rich and Creamy Sauce
The key to a perfect creamy sauce lies in balancing the ingredients. Using heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese creates a smooth and indulgent texture. The addition of beef broth enhances the depth of flavor, making it one of the best recipes for dinner when you want something both hearty and delicious.
Choosing the Best Pasta for This Dish
Medium shells work best for this dish because they hold onto the sauce beautifully. However, you can also try penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni for a different twist. The pasta absorbs all the flavors, ensuring every bite is packed with creamy, beefy goodness. If you’re a fan of chicken stirfry easy recipe options, you can even swap the beef for chicken!
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This dish is ideal for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency. For those who love easy recipes ninja creami style meals, this pasta is perfect for freezing as well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls for extra indulgence.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
Notes & Tips
For an extra cheesy twist, mix in mozzarella or Parmesan. If you love comforting cheesey potatoes easy recipe ideas, you’ll enjoy the gooey, creamy texture of this pasta dish. Want to add more protein? Toss in cooked sausage or ground turkey as an alternative to beef.
Creamy Beef and Shells – Easy Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups medium pasta shells
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta shells to the sauce and mix until well combined.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Leave a Comment