If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and family-friendly dinner that’s quick and easy to make, this Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is just the ticket! Packed with tender pasta shells, flavorful ground beef, and a rich creamy tomato sauce, this dish is a perfect blend of indulgent flavors. It’s a one-pan meal that’s great for busy weeknights, but delicious enough to make for any special occasion. Let’s dive into this simple and satisfying recipe!
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta shells in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Season the beef: Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), dried parsley, and salt and pepper to the beef. Stir well to evenly coat the beef with the seasonings.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the seasoned beef and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to blend in and cook out its raw taste.
- Add the liquids: Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the tomato sauce and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Add the cream and cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy whipping cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy beef sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this hearty, creamy, and satisfying dish!
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is comfort food at its finest. With its creamy, cheesy tomato sauce and tender pasta shells, it’s a surefire way to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is easy to make, full of flavor, and destined to become a family favorite.
Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells dish featurestender pasta shells tossed in a creamy, cheesy tomato-based sauce with seasonedground beef. It’s a hearty and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of spice
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream or half and half for a lighter option
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta shells in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Season the beef: Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), dried parsley, and salt and pepper to the beef. Stir well to evenly coat the beef with the seasonings.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the seasoned beef and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to blend in and cook out its raw taste.
- Add the liquids: Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the tomato sauce and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Add the cream and cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy whipping cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy beef sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this hearty, creamy, and satisfying dish!