Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Beef and Shells dish is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses, it’s sure to please the whole family with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (or 1 tsp onion powder)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, helps thicken the sauce)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 16 oz. tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup half and half
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ pound medium shell pasta
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Shred the cheddar cheese and measure out all ingredients. Begin heating a large pot of salted water for boiling the pasta.
- Step 2: Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef. Cook and crumble for about 4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until onions soften and beef is fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Step 4: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, and flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes to combine flavors and activate the flour.
- Step 6: Pour in beef broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Step 7: Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and softened cream cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently while boiling the pasta for 7–8 minutes or according to package directions.
- Step 8: Reduce heat to low. Stir in half and half, then remove the skillet from heat. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
- Step 9: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy beef sauce.
- Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese and your favorite garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use pasta shells or swap for elbow macaroni or small penne if you prefer a different shape.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- To make it lighter, substitute half and half with whole milk or a milk alternative.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and flavor.
- Skip the flour if you prefer a thinner sauce; it will still be creamy thanks to the cheese and cream cheese.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for different flavors and melting textures.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or omit it altogether for a slightly thinner sauce.
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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce. Combined with tender medium shell pasta and melty cheddar cheese, this dish delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and creamy textures. It’s ideal for an easy weeknight dinner made entirely in one skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (or 1 tsp onion powder)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 16 oz. tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta
- ½ pound medium shell pasta
Garnishes and Serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients and Boil Pasta Water: Shred the cheddar cheese and measure out all ingredients. Begin heating water in a large pot to boil the pasta shells later.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the beef, breaking it apart, for about 4 minutes until browned. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 more minutes until onions soften and beef is fully cooked. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Flour: Mix in hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, and flour (if using). Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices and lightly thicken the base.
- Deglaze with Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Cream Cheese: Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and softened cream cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently while you cook the pasta shells in boiling water for 7 to 8 minutes or according to package instructions. Optionally, add a few teaspoons of salt to the pasta water for seasoning.
- Finish Sauce: Lower heat to low. Stir in the half and half to add creaminess. Remove the skillet from heat and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta shells and add them to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine pasta with creamy beef sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve with grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs well with garlic bread topped with cheese for an extra indulgent meal.
Notes
- Use 85% lean ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture; leaner beef may result in a drier dish.
- Optional flour helps thicken the sauce but can be omitted if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Add salt to pasta water to season the pasta well before mixing with the sauce.
- Substitute onion and garlic powders if fresh ingredients are unavailable.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference or omit for mild flavor.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, shell pasta recipe, ground beef skillet, easy dinner recipe, weeknight meal
