How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells - A Delicious and Easy Dinner Idea
Creamy beef and shells is a hearty and comforting dish that consists of tender pasta shells coated in a rich and creamy sauce, mixed with ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese. It is a one-pot wonder that is easy to make and even easier to devour. You can serve it with a green salad, garlic bread, or your favorite veggies for a complete and balanced meal.
In this article, we will show you how to make creamy beef and shells in a few simple steps. We will also give you some tips and tricks on how to customize this dish to your liking, and how to store and reheat leftovers. Let’s get started!
What You Need to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
To make this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:- 1 pound of ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 8 ounces of medium pasta shells
- 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, for garnish
You will also need the following equipment:
- A large skillet with a lid
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A colander
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A cheese grater
- A cutting board and knife
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells - Step by Step
Follow these easy steps to make creamy beef and shells in under 30 minutes:- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Drain the excess fat and return the beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to combine.
- Add the beef broth and heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Add the pasta shells to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 15 minutes. You may need to add more broth or water if the sauce gets too thick or dry.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and cheese and cook until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Tips and Tricks for Making Creamy Beef and Shells
Here are some tips and tricks to make this dish even better:- You can use any kind of ground meat you like, such as turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb. You can also use vegetarian meat alternatives, such as soy crumbles or lentils.
- You can use any kind of pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or macaroni. You can also use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- You can add more vegetables to this dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, carrots, peas, or corn. You can also use fresh or canned tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes.
- You can use any kind of cheese you like, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or Monterey jack. You can also use cream cheese or sour cream for a creamier sauce.
- You can add more herbs and spices to this dish, such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or cumin. You can also add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for some heat.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Beef and Shells
You can also freeze creamy beef and shells for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as above.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
There are many reasons why you should try this recipe for creamy beef and shells, such as:- It is easy and quick to make, with only one pot to clean.
- It is budget-friendly and uses pantry staples that you probably already have.
- It is filling and satisfying, perfect for a cozy and comforting meal.
- It is kid-friendly and family-approved, as everyone loves pasta and cheese.
- It is versatile and customizable, as you can use different ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make creamy beef and shells. If you did, please share it with your friends and family, and let us know what you think in the comments below. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
