Have you ever craved a dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite? Imagine tender beef enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, all served over perfectly cooked shell pasta. This is exactly what you’ll experience with creamy beef and shells—a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family gathering, this meal is sure to please everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Shells
Family-Friendly Delight: Kids love pasta, and adding creamy beef elevates this dish into something they will eagerly devour. It’s an ideal choice for picky eaters who may shy away from more adventurous meals.
One-Pot Wonder: Not only does this recipe taste amazing but it also requires less cleanup! Cooking everything in one pot makes your life easier while still offering a comforting meal.
Versatile Meal Option: You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Feel free to adjust seasonings according to your family’s taste preferences!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shell Pasta: Use medium or large shell pasta for the best texture; they hold onto the sauce well.
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option; it provides great flavor without excess fat.
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds depth and sweetness to the dish; sauté until translucent for best results.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances aroma and flavor; use about 2-3 cloves depending on your preference.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient creates the creamy base of the sauce; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to control saltiness while adding richness to the sauce.
For the Seasoning:
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano complements the flavors well; add as desired for seasoning.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot used for pasta, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Brown the Beef: Increase heat slightly before adding ground beef into the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks—approximately 5-7 minutes.
Create the Sauce: Lower heat back down after meat is browned. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted smoothly into the meat mixture. Gradually add in beef broth while stirring continuously until fully combined.
Add Pasta Back In: Gently fold cooked shell pasta into the creamy mixture. Ensure each piece is coated with sauce evenly; let simmer on low heat for about 2-3 minutes to warm through.
Serve Hot: Transfer portions onto plates or bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your comforting serving of creamy beef and shells!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Ensure you cook shell pasta just until al dente as it continues cooking when mixed with other ingredients—prevent mushiness!
Select Quality Ingredients: Opting for fresh garlic and high-quality ground beef can significantly enhance flavors; always choose what you trust for optimal taste.
Tweak Seasonings as Desired: Feel free to adjust spices based on personal preference; adding crushed red pepper flakes can give it an exciting kick!
Add Vegetables Freely: Consider incorporating spinach or bell peppers during sautéing for added nutrition without compromising flavor—make it your own!
Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They last about 3-4 days but reheat well on low heat with a splash of broth if needed!
A glass of red wine or iced tea can enhance your meal experience. The acidity in red wine helps cut through the creaminess of the dish, creating a harmonious flavor profile. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, iced tea provides a refreshing contrast that complements the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for Creamy Beef and Shells?
To prepare Creamy Beef and Shells, you’ll need ground beef, shell pasta, cream cheese, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded cheese.
Can I customize Creamy Beef and Shells?
Absolutely! You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. You could also substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
How long does it take to cook Creamy Beef and Shells?
The entire cooking process for Creamy Beef and Shells typically takes about 30 minutes. This includes browning the meat, boiling the pasta, and allowing everything to simmer together to create that luscious creamy sauce.
Can I make Creamy Beef and Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Creamy Beef and Shells ahead of time! Cook it as instructed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Creamy Beef and Shells
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is your go-to comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. This quick and easy recipe features tender ground beef enveloped in a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce, all served over perfectly cooked shell pasta. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish is not only delicious but also ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Pair Creamy Beef and Shells with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for an unforgettable meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Medium or large shell pasta
- Lean ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cream cheese
- Low-sodium beef broth
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in oil over medium heat until translucent (3–4 minutes).
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned (5–7 minutes).
- Stir in softened cream cheese until melted, then gradually add beef broth while mixing until smooth.
- Fold in cooked pasta and let simmer on low for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
