This creamy beef and shells dish is like a warm hug on a plate. With tender pasta shells filled with ground beef and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a comforting meal anyone will love!
Seriously, what’s not to love? Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a family favorite in no time. I like to serve it with a side of veggies to balance things out—makes me feel like a super chef! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta Shells: Medium pasta shells are great for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you don’t have shells, try using penne or fusilli, which work well too.
Ground Beef: I prefer 85% lean for its balance of flavor and moisture. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner options, or even plant-based meat if you want something vegetarian.
Onions & Garlic: Fresh onions and garlic give the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you could use onion powder and garlic powder as substitutes, but fresh is always better!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its melty goodness. You could also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for something a bit different.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. If you’re out, cream cheese works well too, or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Stays Al Dente?
Cooking pasta perfectly is key. Follow these tips:
- Start with plenty of salted boiling water; it should taste like the sea!
- Check the pasta a minute before the package cooking time is up. It should be firm but not hard, giving a slight bite.
- Always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. You can use it later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy beef and shells recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and the beef, then just mix everything together for a deliciously quick meal. Perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which usually takes about 8–10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This will ensure that they don’t become mushy when you add them to the sauce.
2. Cook the Beef:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion, cooking until it’s soft and translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook them together for another 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook the beef for about 5–7 minutes, or until it is fully browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, be sure to drain it before moving on.
4. Add Seasonings and Sauce:
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), along with some salt and pepper to season it well. Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth (or water), and mix everything together. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together wonderfully.
5. Make It Creamy:
Next, lower the heat and stir in the sour cream (or cream cheese) along with the shredded cheese. Mix well until everything is melted and you have a creamy, luscious sauce.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add your drained pasta shells directly into the skillet. Gently stir to ensure every shell is coated in that delicious creamy beef sauce. It’s looking tasty already!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is mixed well, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a lovely pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting creamy beef and shells meal!
Enjoy your cozy and cheesy creamy beef and shells meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that it may need a little more seasoning to enhance the flavor since it’s milder than beef.
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
If you’re out of marinara, you can substitute it with any tomato-based sauce or even a combination of diced tomatoes and spices. Just add a bit more Italian seasoning to boost the flavor!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
You can easily make this creamy beef and shells dish vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms and spinach for added texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’re all set!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore creaminess.