– **Title**: Creamy Beef and Shells
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 cups large pasta shells
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Reduce the heat and slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy beef mixture.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another minute until melted and combined.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like to use lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken can substitute easily while maintaining similar flavors.
Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells create great pockets for the creamy sauce. If you don’t have them, consider using fusilli or cavatappi as they’ll also hold the sauce well.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the dish creamy. If you want a lighter version, you can replace it with half-and-half or even whole milk, though it may be less rich.
Cheese: I love mozzarella for its meltiness, but you can use provolone or Monterey Jack if you want to switch things up. For Parmesan, grated or shredded is fine; just avoid the powdered stuff for better flavor.
Tomato Sauce: Canned sauce is quick and easy, but homemade marinara works wonders if you have the time. You could also use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
How Can I Ensure My Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your beef just right is key to this dish. First, always start with medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan; if it’s too full, the meat will steam instead of brown. Here are some steps to follow:
- Add the ground beef once onions are translucent; this builds flavor.
- Break the meat apart using a spatula as it cooks; aim for no big clumps.
- Cook until browned with no pink left; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t forget to drain any excess fat; a leaner mixture will balance out the creamy sauce.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have beautifully browned, flavorful beef in no time!
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Creamy Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz large pasta shells
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy beef and shells recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 45 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a hearty meal ready that your family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion and sauté until they become translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or until you can smell its wonderful aroma!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the pot, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Make sure to brown it nicely for about 5-7 minutes. If you see a lot of excess fat after cooking, drain it out carefully.
3. Add the Sauces and Seasoning:
Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the pot. Bring the mixture to a nice simmer, allowing all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Cook the Pasta:
While your beef mixture is simmering, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the shells and set them aside for later use.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, lower the heat to a gentle low and stir in the heavy cream, along with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until fully combined and the cheese has melted into a rich creamy sauce.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta shells to your creamy beef mixture, carefully stirring until each shell is gorgeous and fully coated in the delicious sauce.
7. Top and Finish Cooking:
Next, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously on top. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for another 5 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and become bubbling and irresistible.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, remove your pot from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch, and serve your creamy beef and shells warm. Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different, so you might want to add some extra seasoning, such as smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce, to enhance the taste.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure your beef broth and tomato sauce are also gluten-free. Most brands offer suitable options now, just check the labels!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and pasta shells a day in advance. Just combine them when you’re ready to bake, and be sure to increase the baking time slightly if it’s coming straight from the fridge to ensure everything is heated through properly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of cream or broth to help loosen the sauce, then warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
