Creamy Beef and Shells

$- 1 lb ground beef - 8 oz medium shell pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this recipe, I use common measurements. The ground beef is one pound, which gives a hearty base. The medium shell pasta is eight ounces, perfect for holding the creamy sauce. I use one cup of heavy cream to create richness and smoothness. The beef broth, also one cup, adds depth of flavor. One cup of shredded cheddar cheese brings creaminess and a tasty finish. You need one small onion and two cloves of garlic for the base flavor. Italian seasoning and smoked paprika enhance the taste. I add salt and pepper to balance everything out. Finally, two tablespoons of olive oil help with sautéing. You may want to play with seasonings. Adding crushed red pepper can bring heat if you like spice. Fresh basil or oregano can provide a different flavor twist. For garnish, fresh parsley adds color and brightness. A sprinkle of extra cheese on top can make it even more inviting. Enjoy making it your own! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once it bubbles, add the medium shell pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it's al dente. You want it firm but tender. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. This pasta will hold the creamy sauce well. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in two tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers. Then, add one small onion, finely chopped, and two cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes. The onion should look translucent and smell great. Now, turn up the heat to medium-high. Add one pound of ground beef. Cook it until it’s fully browned. Use a spatula to break it apart. After it's cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Now, it's time to add flavor. Sprinkle in one teaspoon each of Italian seasoning and smoked paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well. Pour in one cup of beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will create a tasty base. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly add one cup of heavy cream. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce become creamy and smooth. Now, fold the cooked shell pasta into the skillet with the beef mixture. Add one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. This adds color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy beef and shells! For the full recipe, refer to the above details. To make your sauce truly creamy, use heavy cream. This adds richness and a smooth feel. Stir the cream in slowly while cooking on low heat. This keeps the sauce from breaking and helps it blend well with the beef. If you want to boost the flavor, add a bit of cheese, like cheddar. It enhances the creaminess and adds a savory taste. One common mistake is cooking the pasta too long. Make sure to check the package and cook until al dente. Overcooked pasta gets mushy and can ruin your dish. Another mistake is skipping the seasoning. Always taste your dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. Lastly, don’t rush the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken and develop flavor. For a beautiful presentation, serve the creamy beef and shells in shallow bowls. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh parsley. This adds color and freshness. You can also add a side of crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the sauce. If you want to impress guests, use a clean towel to wipe the bowl's rim before serving. {{image_4}} You can swap out the ground beef for many other proteins. Ground turkey or chicken works well. For a richer flavor, you might try ground lamb. Cook these meats the same way as beef. If you want a low-fat option, consider using lean ground beef. Each option gives a unique taste while keeping it creamy. To make this dish vegetarian, replace the beef with mushrooms or a mix of veggies. Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach add great flavor and color. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep that rich taste. You can also add beans for protein. This keeps the meal filling and nutritious. Enhancing the flavor can take your dish to the next level. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fresh taste. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth. For a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. If you love cheese, sprinkle in some parmesan for a savory finish. Explore these options to find your perfect blend! After enjoying Creamy Beef and Shells, let any leftovers cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long they have been stored. To reheat, you can use the microwave or the stove. For the microwave, place your portion in a bowl. Heat it for one minute, then stir and heat for another minute. If using the stove, add a splash of beef broth to a skillet. Heat on low, stirring often, until warm. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool fully first. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it on the stove as mentioned. Avoid freezing with garnishes, as they don’t freeze well. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal later! You can serve this dish with a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread also pairs well. It helps soak up that creamy sauce. Steamed vegetables add color and nutrients too. Roasted broccoli or green beans work great. Yes, you can! Any pasta shape will work. Penne, fusilli, or even macaroni are tasty options. Just make sure to adjust cooking times. Different shapes may need more or less time to cook. Definitely! Creamy Beef and Shells is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it. Just divide it into portions. It keeps well in the fridge for about three days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Check the label to ensure it fits your needs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy this creamy delight without worry! This blog post covered all you need for a tasty creamy beef and shells dish. We explored key ingredients and their measurements, along with optional seasonings. The step-by-step guide showed how to cook, mix, and finish the dish perfectly. I shared useful tips to enhance texture and avoid common errors. We also looked at variations for different diets and storage methods for leftovers. Keep these ideas in mind to enjoy a delicious meal any time. A few small adjustments can make this dish your own, so get cooking!$

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Beef and Shells Delight with this easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Featuring ground beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy shell pasta, this dish is a comforting delight your family will love. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Click through to explore the full recipe and tips for serving this delicious meal with a touch of flair!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

8 oz medium shell pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup beef broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt for flavor. Cook the shell pasta as per the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Add Ground Beef: Turn up the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

Season and Combine: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the meat mixture. Next, pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, and gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve a creamy consistency.

Mix In Pasta and Cheese: Gently fold the cooked shell pasta into the skillet, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and everything is thoroughly combined.

Taste and Adjust: Sample the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to suit your preference.

Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delightful creamy beef and shells!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a sprig of parsley on top for visual appeal. A side of crusty bread makes a great addition to mop up the delicious sauce!