Looking for a quick, tasty meal that warms your heart? My creamy beef and shells recipe is a winner! This easy comfort food blends rich flavors and simple ingredients into a dish your whole family will love. In just a few steps, you can create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and get cooking!
What Are the Key Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Shells?
In this creamy beef and shells recipe, you will need a few key ingredients. The first is medium shells pasta. This pasta shape holds the sauce well, making each bite rich and flavorful.
Next, ground beef is essential. It adds a hearty base to the dish. You can choose lean beef for a lighter option or regular beef for more flavor.
Heavy cream plays a vital role. It gives the sauce a rich and smooth texture. The cream blends perfectly with the beef and spices to create comfort in a bowl.
Next, I use beef broth. It adds depth to the flavor. Combined with Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning, these ingredients bring a savory taste that elevates the dish.
Cheddar cheese is another must-have. It melts beautifully into the sauce, making every bite creamy and cheesy.
Lastly, garlic and onion provide aromatic notes. They add layers of flavor that make this dish stand out.
With these ingredients, you can create a delicious, easy creamy beef pasta that everyone will love. You can find the full recipe in my earlier notes.
How Can You Prepare Creamy Beef and Shells Step-by-Step?
To make creamy beef and shells, follow these simple steps. Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium shells and cook them according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This keeps the pasta from sticking together.
Next, cook the ground beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook this mixture until the beef is browned, which takes about 6-8 minutes. If there is too much fat, drain it off for a leaner dish.
Now, it’s time to combine all the ingredients. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Bring this to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors to blend well. Then, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix this well to get a creamy consistency.
Finally, fold in the cooked pasta. Gently mix everything together so the shells are well-coated with that rich, homemade creamy beef sauce. Add shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
You can find the full recipe above. This dish is a true one pot beef and shells delight!