Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta is a comforting dish that combines juicy beef, creamy sauce, and shell pasta. It is simple to make and is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb Lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Yellow onion (diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt and pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tsp Off the Chain seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning)
- 4 tbsp Tomato paste
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 lb Pasta shells
- 6 oz Cheddar cheese (grated)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Off the Chain seasoning.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
- Make a well in the center and add the tomato paste. Stir and cook for about a minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add pasta shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta
Serve Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool down before placing it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just be aware that the texture may change a bit after freezing and reheating.
Tips to Make Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you like a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can spice things up.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use whole wheat pasta shells to make it a bit healthier.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! You can use mozzarella, Parmesan, or any cheese you enjoy.
Q: What if I don’t have beef broth?
A: You can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish early in the day and reheat it before serving. Just add a little extra broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb Lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt and pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tsp Off the Chain seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning)
- 4 tbsp Tomato paste
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 lb Pasta shells
- 6 oz Cheddar cheese (grated)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Off the Chain seasoning.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
- Make a well in the center and add the tomato paste. Stir and cook for about a minute.
Cooking
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add pasta shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!