- Savor the comforting deliciousness of Creamy Beef with Shells! This is a 30-minute meal that combines soft pasta shells, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with garlic and Italian herbs. A tasty and simple-to-make recipe that is suitable for the whole family.
Dinnertime was always a flurry of bustle and fun in my busy childhood home. My mother, a culinary pro, frequently juggled her simmering pots and our homework questions. She would make her own Creamy Beef and Shells on especially busy evenings. It turned into a comfort meal for us, with the smells of herbs and garlic blending with our daily tales. Years later, while I mix the creamy sauce in my kitchen, my mother’s soft laughs, the sound of plates clinking, and the comforting presence of family members gathered around the dinner table come flooding back.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This 30-minute recipe is ideal for hectic weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: Its gooey richness even satisfies finicky palates.
- Rich, creamy, and full of flavor from the flavorful meat and Italian herbs are the comforting flavors.
- Versatile: Simple to adjust for a range of tastes by using different components.
- One-Stop Shopping: balances the dish by combining dairy, carbohydrates, and protein.
Ingredients Notes:
The beauty of Creamy Beef and Shells lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients.
- Pasta Shells: Medium in size to ensure the ideal balance of pasta to sauce.
Ground meat: Richness is balanced without being overly rich by using lean meat.
Garlic & Sweet Onion: For a deep, aromatic sweetness and savory flavor.
Italian Seasoning & Herbs: The dish is elevated with traditional Italian flavors by the herb blend.
Beef stock and flour combine to thicken the sauce and give it a smooth finish.
Marinara Sauce: Balances the creamy components with a tart tomato base.
Rich, creamy flavors with a hint of acidity are contributed by heavy and sour creams.
Cheddar cheese: Grated fresh for a rich, creamy flavor and a smooth melt.
How To Make This Creamy Beef And Shells
Creamy Beef and Shells is a symphony of textures and flavors, encapsulated in a straightforward cooking process.
- Pasta Cooking: Begin by cooking the pasta shells until they are tender. They will continue to cook in the sauce later, so it’s important not to overcook them.
- Brown Beef: To provide a rich, meaty base for the meal, cook the ground beef until it is thoroughly browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: The garlic and onion are cooked just long enough to add layers of flavor without becoming overbearing.
- Build Sauce Base: A minute of whisking in flour results in a roux that elegantly thickens the sauce.
- Add Liquids: To get a smooth, lump-free sauce, add the marinara and beef stock gradually.
- Simmer & Season: Allow the sauce to thicken and absorb the flavor of the herbs while modifying the spice as necessary.
Reintroduce Pasta & Beef: This combines the ingredients, so each shell has a consistent flavor. Gets drenched in the flavorful sauce. - Lastly, dairy: Add the heavy cream, then the sour cream for more richness, and finally melt the cheddar cheese for a cheesy pull that will entice you in.
Storage Options:
Creamy Beef and Shells is as versatile in storage as it is in flavor.
- Refrigeration: It keeps well for up to 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.
- Freezing: To prepare a quick supper later, freeze portions. Refrigerate overnight to allow it to thaw before heating.
- Reheat slowly over a stovetop or in a microwave, thinning the sauce with a little amount of milk or water.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Pasta Types: Penne, fusilli, or even macaroni can be used in place of shells.
- Protein Variations: For a lighter option, ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for beef.
- Dairy Adjustments: For a less heavy sauce, use light cream or a mixture of cream cheese and milk.
- Cheese Varieties: Try gouda, mozzarella, or a combination to create unique sensations.
- Add-Ins: Adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can give this dish a healthy touch.
- Gluten-Free: For anyone following a stringent diet, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
