Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells: A Comfort Food Pasta That Everyone Will Love 🍝🥩✨

1. Introduction

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea that combines the richness of beef with the comforting texture of shell pasta? Look no further than this Creamy Shell Pasta recipe, a perfect example of easy weeknight dinners pasta and beef one pot meals. This quick and satisfying dish is one of those comfort food pasta recipes that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With a luscious, creamy sauce and tender shell pasta, this recipe elevates recipes with shell pasta to a new level of deliciousness.

2. Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Shells

• 1 lb (450g) of ground beef
• 12 oz (340g) of shell pasta
• 1 cup of heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Creamy Beef and Shells

**Preparation of the Ingredients**

Gather your ingredients and prepare all components by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic, ensuring a smooth cooking process. To add a depth of flavor, consider checking out Salisbury steak meatballs.

**Cooking the Ground Beef**

In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

**Cooking the Shell Pasta**

While the beef mixture is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

**Combining the Creamy Sauce**

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream or milk. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked shell pasta, mixing well to coat all the pasta with the luscious sauce. For more ideas on pasta transformation, check out how to make chicken and broccoli pasta.

**Serving and Garnishing**

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for an instant upgrade to comfort food pasta recipes. Feel free to explore other beef recipes for inspiration.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Beef and Shells

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, microwave until warmed through or warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing as the sauce maySeparate upon thawing.

5. Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Meal

This soft pasta recipe is versatile and pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. Consider serving with slices of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For more hearty breakfast-inspired ideas that share the comfort factor, explore additional options.

6. Variations and Customizations for Creamy Shell Pasta

To make this shell noodle recipe even more flavorful, you can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked bacon. For a touch of spice, stir in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce. If you’re a fan of delicious crowd-pleasers, experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to make it your own.

7. Benefits of Preparing One Pot Beef Recipes

This one pot beef recipe is an excellent choice for busy weeknights because it minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. Cooking everything in a single skillet or pot not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory dish perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. To discover more family favorites, visit how to make chicken and broccoli pasta.

8. Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Beef and Shells

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

If you prefer a lighter version, you can use evaporated milk or a dairy-free alternative such as coconut milk. These options maintain creaminess without the heaviness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when ready to serve. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some sauce, so consider adding a splash of milk during reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of the sauce may change upon thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for 1-2 months in an airtight container.

9. Conclusion

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a quintessential comfort food pasta perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender shell pasta, it embodies the best of soft pasta recipes and shell noodle recipes. By customizing ingredients and adding fresh herbs or vegetables, you can tailor this dish to suit any taste. Enjoy this hearty, one-pot meal that combines simplicity and flavor with every bite, making it a go-to for dinner ideas that please everyone. Happy cooking!

Creamy Beef and Shells

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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Allergen-Free

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Description

Creamy Beef and Shells is a delicious and comforting pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender shell pasta with a rich, creamy beef sauce, this recipe is an easy, flavorful meal everyone will love. Made with ground beef, cheese, and a luscious sauce, it’s a one-pot wonder that offers quick preparation and satisfying taste in every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450g) of ground beef
• 12 oz (340g) of shell pasta
• 1 cup of heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. While beef cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Return cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream or milk, and stir in shredded cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
6. Add cooked shell pasta to the sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta with the creamy beef mixture.
7. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• For added flavor, consider sautéing mushrooms or spinach with the beef.
• You can substitute the heavy cream with evaporated milk or coconut milk for a lighter version.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated gently.
• Do not freeze as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 cup)
• Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg