This creamy beef and shells dish is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender pasta shells, ground beef, and a deliciously creamy sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
I love how quick and easy this meal is to whip up. You can have it ready in no time, which is great for busy nights. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta Shells: I recommend using medium or large pasta shells. They hold the creamy sauce perfectly. If you’re out of shells, try rotini or fusilli instead—they’ll still work great!
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is my usual choice, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a meatless version, use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic bring a lot of flavor. If you don’t have these, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead—just adjust the amount to taste.
Cream: I like using heavy cream for that rich texture, but half-and-half or even whole milk can cut down on calories without sacrificing too much creaminess.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient! If you want something fresher, you can use fresh tomatoes (just peel and chop them). You could also toss in some spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
How Can I Get the Beef Perfectly Cooked?
Browning the beef is crucial to build flavor in this dish. Here’s how to ensure it’s done right:
- Start with a hot skillet. This helps seal in juices and gives a nice color.
- Break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook it in batches. This keeps the beef from steaming.
- Once browned, drain excess fat for a cleaner sauce. Keeping just a little can add flavor.
Following these steps helps you get that delicious, rich flavor in your creamy beef and shells!
How to Make Creamy Beef And Shells
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 1 lb (450 g) pasta shells
For The Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy beef and shells dish takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep ingredients and cook the pasta. The rest of the time will be spent making the delicious beef and cream sauce and finishing off the dish for serving. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until it is fragrant.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spoon, break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until it is fully cooked—this should take about 6-8 minutes. If there is an excess fat, drain it off during the cooking process to keep the sauce light.
4. Build the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor. Next, add the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, and the Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
5. Combine with Cream:
Turn down the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Stir everything together and heat until it’s warm, but be careful not to let it boil.
6. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, gently mixing them with the creamy sauce until they are well coated and combined.
7. Add the Cheese:
Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until they melt and create a deliciously creamy texture. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top of the mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes so the cheese can melt nicely.
8. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your creamy beef and shells and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your warm, creamy beef and shells pasta that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the beef and replace it with a meat substitute like lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground meat product. You can also add more vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I Prepare This Meal in Advance?
Yes! You can make the creamy beef and shells ahead of time. Just let it cool completely after cooking, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
What Should I Serve With Creamy Beef and Shells?
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting touch!