Looking for an easy creamy beef and shells recipe? You’ve found it! This meal is a hit with the whole family. It combines medium pasta shells and savory ground beef in a silky sauce. And it’s ready in just 30 minutes, serving six. It’s perfect for those nights you want something tasty but easy.
This dish’s flavor comes from garlic, onions, and creamy sauce. Every bite is delicious. It also packs 26 grams of protein per serving. Ready to make this amazing meal? Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- This dish is a quick, easy creamy beef and shells recipe, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Serves six people and can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
- Rich in flavor and nutrition, with 26 grams of protein per serving.
- Perfect for families, offering a comforting and satisfying meal option.
- Customizable with various vegetables and cheese types to suit your taste.
What is Creamy Beef and Shells?
Creamy Beef and Shells is a delicious pasta dish. It provides you with a sense of fullness and warmth. I love making it because it mixes soft shell pasta with tasty ground beef. The dish is covered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. It’s a quick meal, ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
This meal is like a homemade Hamburger Helper, but better. Making creamy ground beef with shells, I enjoy the wonderful tastes. It’s not only satisfying but also ideal for a group, easily serving 4-6 people. Imagine a dish like creamy beef macaroni soup, ready quickly. Everyone loves a warm, filling meal like this.
Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Shells
Finding the right ingredients is crucial for making a delicious creamy beef and shells dish. I discovered that the basics are not only comforting but also quick to prepare. This makes the one pot creamy beef and shells recipe ideal for busy nights.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
To make the creamy ground beef and shells even better, I like to add a few extras. These added touches transform the dish into something truly damn delicious.
- Chopped zucchini or bell peppers
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Shredded pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese
- Mushrooms for an earthy twist
- Vegan creamy beef and shells ingredients such as plant-based ground beef and cashew cream
After gathering your ingredients, preparing this meal becomes effortless. In under 30 minutes, you can have a creamy beef and mushroom macaroni ready. It’s a dish your family is sure to enjoy.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
Creating a simple creamy beef and shells dish can bring joy, especially for comfort meals with minimal prep time. This recipe is quick to make and great for family meals. Just follow these easy steps for a tasty dinner everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Start by boiling 8 ounces of medium pasta shells in salted water until they’re al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain them and then set aside.
- Prepare the meat: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced, and cook until it’s golden brown, which takes around 3 minutes. Then add 1 pound of ground beef and cook till it’s browned.
- Season and Flavor: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the skillet. Give it a minute to cook until it smells amazing.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Throw in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, and 2 cups of beef stock into the skillet. Let it simmer and cook down for 6–8 minutes until it gets a bit thicker.
- Add Creamy Elements: Turn the heat down, then slowly mix in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Wait for the sauce to warm up before you blend in 1 1/2 cups of grated cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth.
- Mix with Pasta: Put the drained pasta into the creamy beef sauce, stirring until everything is nicely coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken up and combine flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up warm, and let everyone top it with more cheese or parsley if they like. This meal is perfect for feeding a family of four.
This slow cooker creamy ground beef and shells dish is easy and full of rich flavors. In just 30 minutes, you’re ready to serve a delightful dinner. Your family will definitely ask for more.
Why Choose Creamy Beef and Shells for Dinner?
Finding the right dinner can be tough. This is where creamy beef shells come into play. It’s creamy, comforting, and fills you up right. The dish blends flavors beautifully in a pasta shell. It’s a hit with families or anyone craving a hearty meal.
Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy night. It serves four to six, making it great for groups. You get a tasty mix of ground beef, creamy sauce, and pasta shells. This means even picky eaters can find joy in it.
Each plate is packed with protein and carbs, about 532 kcal. This meal is nutritious, wallet-friendly, and satisfies those hunger pangs. In short, creamy beef and shells are tasty, affordable, and easy to make. It’s ideal for dinner gatherings or solo nights.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4-6 |
| Calories per Serving | 532 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Total Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Cholesterol | 127 mg |
| Sodium | 1258 mg |
| Potassium | 1000 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Variations of Creamy Beef and Shells
Trying different creamy beef and shells recipes adds exciting twists. The creamy beef and mushroom macaroni recipe stands out. It boosts the flavors by sautéeing mushrooms with onions. This creates a rich base that goes well with the beef shells. Adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers makes it healthier without losing taste.
Creamy Beef and Mushroom Macaroni Recipe
This creamy beef and mushroom macaroni recipe is both easy and delicious. I can make a comforting meal in just 30 minutes. Here’s my method for crafting this tasty dish:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion (approx. 4 ounces)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 15 ounces marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers
Vegan Creamy Beef and Shells Alternative
For a vegan version, the choice is exciting. I replace beef with lentils or tofu to keep it hearty yet plant-based. Choosing cashew or coconut milk gives it that creamy touch everyone loves. Here’s a table showing the traditional vs. vegan options:
| Ingredient | Traditional Recipe | Vegan Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | Ground beef | Lentils or crumbled tofu |
| Creaminess | Heavy cream | Cashew cream or coconut milk |
| Cheese | Shredded cheddar cheese | Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese |
| Cooking Time | Approximately 30 minutes | Approximately 30 minutes |
This journey into creamy beef and shells means everyone gets to enjoy this dish. It caters to traditional and vegan tastes.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Shell Pasta
When cooking my creamy ground beef and shells, the pasta is key. I prefer *medium* pasta shells for their sauce-catching abilities. They make the dish go from good to great. Here are tips to cook shell pasta perfectly.
Choosing the Right Pasta
Medium shells are my top pick. But trying other types can also enhance the dish. Here are a few you might like:
- Penne: Great at holding onto sauce
- Elbow macaroni: Excellent for a classic macaroni twist
- Farfalle: Offers a fun shape and adds visual appeal
To avoid soggy pasta, cook it a bit less than the package says. This makes the shells firm, perfect for the creamy sauce. Remembering these tips for cooking pasta ensures a delicious creamy beef dish every time.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Beef and Shells
I always look for ways to make creamy beef and shells even tastier. The dish’s rich flavor needs the right sides to shine. Here are my top picks for sides that make the meal complete.
