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Sharing this fast and comforting Creamy Beef and Shells always puts a smile on my face. I whipped it up during a hectic week and now it's our go-to cozy dinner. Each shell soaks up all that creamy savory sauce and yeah it totally hits the sweet spot every bite. Plus it's an easy lift for the wallet and you’ll have dinner done in a half hour. Nice for nights you just want to eat and chill quick.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Some meals just make life better and this is right at the top. The soft pasta and super tasty meat sauce equal full-on comfort food. My kids run to the kitchen when they catch a whiff and I look forward to scooping up leftovers for a quick lunch. It's the trusty pick for those busy nights when you want tasty and fast food with zero stress.
Grab What You'll Need
- Olive Oil: Use it first to soften up your onion and garlic.
- Heavy Cream: The key for that dreamy smooth finish.
- Beef Broth: Gives your sauce a deeper meaty punch.
- Tomato Sauce: Makes a saucy, bold base.
- Chili Powder: Kicks the flavor up just a notch.
- Onion & Garlic: Can't beat this classic flavor combo.
- Ground Beef: Lean is best if you want it tasty but not greasy.
- Pasta Shells: These trap every bit of sauce perfectly.
Ready, Set, Cook!
- Finish it Off
- Grab some cheese or fresh herbs and spoon it up while it’s still warm.
- Add the Cream
- Mix in the heavy cream, get it seasoned just right, then coat all your pasta in the sauce.
- Make the Sauce
- Stir in garlic and those seasonings, then pour in your broth and tomato sauce, letting it get nice and thick.
- Brown Your Beef
- Put in the ground beef, crumble it up, and cook until none of the pink is left.
- Sauté the Veg
- Drop in the onion with a splash of oil in your hot pan, cooking till it softens and gets that golden color.
- Boil the Pasta
- Get the shells bubbling till they're cooked just right, then set aside till needed.
Little Tricks From My Kitchen
A sprinkle of cheddar makes this even more delicious. Out of shells? Any bite-sized pasta will work. Throw in garlic powder if you run out of fresh. Lighten it up with half and half—it won’t be as silky but still tastes great if you want something lighter.
What Pairs Well
I toss it with a bright Caesar or speedy cucumber salad. Sometimes you just need garlic bread for dipping. Toss a dollop of sour cream or a handful of basil on top when you’re feeling extra fancy.
Leftovers Done Right
Keep leftovers in an airtight box in the fridge—they’ll last about 4 days. Add a splash of cream when you reheat to smooth it out again. Sauce freezes just fine. When you want more, cook up new pasta and warm the sauce through.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch to another type of pasta?
Sure, any medium-sized pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni will do. Just make sure it's cooked al dente.
- → What if the sauce gets too thick?
Keep some pasta water before draining. A small splash will thin the sauce nicely while mixing.
- → Can I swap the ground beef for something else?
Yes, ground turkey or sausage are good substitutes. Add seasonings to match your flavor preference.
- → Is there a replacement for heavy cream?
Half-and-half works, but the sauce won't be as rich. Heavy cream gives the best texture.
- → How long can leftovers stay fresh?
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream to avoid dryness.