If you’re in the mood for a rich and comforting meal, this Creamy Beef Shells Recipe is the perfect choice. Tender pasta shells are coated in a creamy, savory beef sauce that will leave everyone asking for more. This quick and easy Creamy Beef Shells Recipe is ideal for busy nights when you want a delicious, hearty dish the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy nights with minimal prep time.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or seasonings to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups pasta shells
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta shells in salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Beef Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease. - Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the beef broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. - Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta shells into the beef sauce, stirring to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect Dish
- Add Veggies: Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add more color and nutrients.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Extra Creamy: For an even richer dish, you can add a bit more heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Perfect for Busy Nights
This creamy, hearty dish is the ultimate comfort food, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Try it today and enjoy a flavorful meal your whole family will love!
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Creamy Beef Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
This creamy beef shells recipe is a comforting, indulgent dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender pasta shells are filled with a savory beef and cheese mixture, smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family. The creamy texture and flavorful beef will make this dish a new favorite!
Ingredients
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into the cooked pasta shells, placing them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Once all the shells are filled, pour any remaining sauce from the skillet over the shells. Sprinkle the top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, try adding some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and add a bit more ricotta cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Beef shells, Creamy pasta, Baked pasta, Stuffed shells, Comfort food, Pasta bake, Beef and cheese
