This creamy beef and shells dish is a warm hug in a bowl! Tender pasta shells are mixed with a rich beefy sauce, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights. Plus, the creamy goodness is simply irresistible! I can’t help but go back for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives great flavor, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, try using lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Pasta Shells: Medium pasta shells hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to substitute with another pasta type like penne or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Tomato Sauce: I prefer using marinara sauce for added flavor. Any canned tomato sauce works great too! For a twist, consider using diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce super creamy. You can substitute it with half-and-half or evaporated milk if you want something lighter. Even a non-dairy milk can work, but the texture may be different.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a wonderful salty flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute, or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Getting your sauce creamy and rich is essential! After sautéing the onions and garlic, make sure your ground beef is fully cooked before adding the liquids. This helps develop a good base flavor.
- Once you add the tomato sauce and simmer, let the flavors meld for a few minutes.
- When adding cream, keep the heat low to avoid curdling the cream.
- If the sauce gets too thick, gradually add a bit of water or beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
By following these steps, your sauce will be perfectly creamy and delicious for those pasta shells!
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Water or beef broth (as needed for sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total: about 10 minutes for prep work and 20 minutes for cooking. You can have a delicious and creamy beef dish ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook until they are al dente, according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, which takes about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it as needed.
4. Create the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine nicely.
5. Make it Creamy:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Combine Beans with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta shells to the beef sauce. Gently stir to coat all the pasta fully in the creamy sauce. Let it warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. When ready, serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley or basil on top. Enjoy!
Your delicious and comforting creamy beef and shells pasta is ready to be enjoyed with family and friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may have a slightly different flavor, so you may want to adjust seasonings to enhance the taste.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells. Most brands have options that cook similarly, so you can enjoy this dish with no gluten!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Certainly! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the onions or mix them in with the beef for extra flavor and nutrition!
