Description
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting—this creamy beef and shells recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, beefy sauce that’s perfect for a hearty, weeknight dinner. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef and Shells:
- 1 pound ground beef: This is the base of the dish, providing a savory, protein-packed element.
- 12 ounces medium pasta shells: The shell shape is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to cook the beef and help prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the beef mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): For aromatic depth and a fragrant base.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance the savory flavor of the beef.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and a touch of heat to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, helping to balance the flavors.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): The base of the creamy sauce, adding richness and a tangy flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Provides extra creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor to balance the richness of the cream cheese.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth: Adds savory depth and helps loosen the sauce to a smooth, pourable consistency.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For a hint of umami and a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey meltiness and a mild, creamy flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty note that enhances the richness of the sauce.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley (chopped): For a pop of color and freshness.
- Extra shredded Parmesan: To sprinkle on top for extra cheese flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat, if desired.
Instructions
First Step: COOK THE PASTA
- Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions, typically about 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- Drain and Set Aside: Once the pasta is done, drain it well and set it aside. Be sure to save a little bit of pasta water (about 1/4 cup) in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
Second Step: COOK THE GROUND BEEF
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef until fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle the beef with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings and cook for another minute.
Third Step: MAKE THE CREAMY SAUCE
- Add the Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir it into the beef mixture until it melts and combines with the other ingredients, creating a creamy base.
- Incorporate the Sour Cream and Broth: Add the sour cream and beef broth to the skillet, stirring until smooth. The broth helps thin out the sauce and creates a velvety texture. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Worcestershire Sauce and Cheeses: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Stir in a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Fourth Step: COMBINE THE PASTA AND SAUCE
- Add the Cooked Shells: Once the sauce is creamy and smooth, add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and beef mixture. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the shells are well coated and heated through.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste.
Fifth Step: GARNISH AND SERVE
- Garnish: Transfer the creamy beef and shells to serving plates. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this creamy, beef-filled pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 28g