Creamy Beef and Shells
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe. This hearty one-pot dish combines tender pasta shells with a rich and creamy beef sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that the entire family will love. Quick to prepare and loaded with flavor, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings a cozy feel to your dinner table.
This creamy beef and shells dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying!
A Comforting One-Pot Meal
Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food that checks all the boxes for a satisfying family dinner. This dish combines the delightful texture of pasta shells with a creamy beef sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will make everyone's taste buds dance. Not only does it offer a warm, fulfilling experience, but it is also a great way to bring loved ones together around the dinner table on busy weeknights.
One of the great advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a hearty dish that feels like a labor of love. The straightforward preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with your family. Plus, the one-pot nature of the recipe minimizes cleanup, allowing you to relax and unwind after a long day.
Flavor Packed and Versatile
When it comes to flavor, Creamy Beef and Shells doesn’t disappoint. The combination of the rich cream of mushroom soup and savory beef broth creates a sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta shells, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Enhancing the dish with shredded cheddar cheese adds that extra creaminess and tang that elevates the overall taste experience. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your family's preferences.
This dish also holds great potential for leftovers. The flavors only deepen and become more pronounced after a day in the fridge, making it a perfect option for meal prepping or storing for quick lunches. Reheating is a breeze as well; just a few minutes in the microwave, and you have a delicious meal ready to go. Creamy Beef and Shells can easily become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to cook a wholesome dinner can be a challenge. That’s where this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe shines. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for those hectic evenings when you need to get dinner on the table quickly without compromising on taste or nutrition. With this one-pot dish, you can nourish your family with a delicious meal, even on the busiest of days.
By using pantry staples like cream of mushroom soup and pasta shells, this recipe ensures that you won’t need to make a special trip to the grocery store. The simplicity and availability of ingredients mean you can prepare this comforting dish anytime, making it a reliable go-to when you're strapped for time or ideas. Your family will appreciate the warm meal, and you'll love how easy it is to make.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gather these ingredients before starting your recipe for best results!
Cooking Steps
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
Add Pasta and Sauce
Add the pasta shells, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Add Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider pairing Creamy Beef and Shells with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. A light side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish while adding a healthy crunch. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any remaining creamy sauce. These sides add variety and elevate your dinner experience, making it even more enjoyable.
If you want to spice things up, serve the dish with hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a bit of heat. Alternatively, a dollop of sour cream can provide a cool contrast to the creamy sauce. Personalizing the meal enhances the enjoyment for everyone at the table, ensuring that each person can tailor their plate to their liking, making meal time feel special and fun.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the mixture is cooled completely before sealing. When reheating, you can use either the microwave or stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
For stovetop reheating, place the leftover Creamy Beef and Shells in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of beef broth as needed. Stir frequently until the dish is warmed through. This gentle method keeps the creamy consistency intact and ensures that it remains as delightful as when first prepared. Enjoying this dish the next day becomes an easy task with the right storage and reheating methods.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to use any short pasta of your choice.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just reheat it on the stove with a little extra beef broth.
Creamy Beef and Shells
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe. This hearty one-pot dish combines tender pasta shells with a rich and creamy beef sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that the entire family will love. Quick to prepare and loaded with flavor, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings a cozy feel to your dinner table.
Created by: Violet Hart
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
Add the pasta shells, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 25g