Creamy Beef and Shells

Why make this recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting dish that brings together the richness of beef and the creaminess of cheese, making it a favorite for family dinners. It’s quick to prepare, requires only a few ingredients, and is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the combination of flavors is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!

How to make Creamy Beef and Shells

Ingredients :

• 8 oz shell pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Directions :

1. Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
5. Mix in the cooked shell pasta and season with salt and pepper.
6. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
7. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy beef and shells!

How to serve Creamy Beef and Shells

Serve Creamy Beef and Shells in bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top. You can also add a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. This dish is suitable for lunch or dinner and is sure to be a hit at any table!

How to store Creamy Beef and Shells

To store Creamy Beef and Shells, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to make Creamy Beef and Shells

• Feel free to add some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Cook the pasta just until al dente for the best texture.
• Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors.

Variation

You can make a lighter version by using ground turkey instead of beef. Additionally, you can substitute milk for heavy cream for a less rich sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it before serving. Just make sure to store it properly.

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While shell pasta works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a meat substitute like lentils or a vegetarian crumbles and use vegetable broth instead.

Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting dish featuring beef and cheese, perfect for family dinners and quick weeknight meals.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Beef

• 8 oz shell pasta Use any pasta shape if desired.
• 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.
• 1 cup beef broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.

Creamy Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with milk for a less rich sauce.
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack can be used.

Vegetables and Seasoning

• 1/2 onion onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
• 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.

Cooking

1. Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
3. Mix in the cooked shell pasta and season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.

Serving

1. Serve hot in bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top.

Notes

Let the dish cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze. Thaw overnight before reheating. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.