Savory Beef Stuffed Shells

Looking for a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than these Tasty Beef Shells! Packed with savory ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

To make these Tasty Beef Shells, you’ll start by cooking up some tender shell pasta and browning flavorful ground beef. The Italian herb mix, sweet onion, and garlic will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, setting the stage for a truly satisfying dish. Once everything is simmered together in a luscious blend of beef broth, tomato sauce, and cream, you’ll top it all off with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar for that perfect gooey finish.

Whether you’re cooking up a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering with loved ones, these Tasty Beef Shells are sure to impress with their hearty flavors and irresistible cheesiness. Get ready to dig into a bowlful of comfort and satisfaction with every bite!

Quick Benefits

• Rich in protein from the ground beef and sharp cheddar
• Provides a good source of carbohydrates from the shell pasta
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals from the sweet onion, garlic, and Italian herb mix

Why You’ll Love This Savory Beef Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of Italian herbs, tomato sauce, and sharp cheddar creates a rich and savory taste that is sure to delight your taste buds.
• Comfort Food at its Best: The creamy beef sauce paired with the tender shell pasta is the ultimate comfort food that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dish: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the type of cheese to suit your preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the familiar flavors in this dish, making it a great option for a family dinner that everyone can enjoy.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This dish reheats well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy the delicious flavors for lunch the next day.

Ingredients for Savory Beef Stuffed Shells

Base

• 8 ounces shell pasta (medium size)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef

Aromatics & Seasonings

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herb mix
• 2 tablespoons regular flour
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped

Sauce

• Salt and pepper as needed
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 6 ounces grated sharp cheddar
• 2 cups beef broth

Pro Tips for Savory Beef Stuffed Shells

To make the Tasty Beef Shells even more flavorful, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This will add a delicious umami richness to the dish. Additionally, to elevate the presentation of the meal, garnish each serving with a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

When cooking the ground beef for this recipe, make sure to brown it well to develop deep, rich flavors. Don’t rush this step as the caramelization of the meat will greatly enhance the overall taste of the dish. Furthermore, when adding the flour to thicken the sauce, ensure to cook it for a minute or two to get rid of the raw flour taste, resulting in a smoother and more well-rounded sauce.

How to Make Savory Beef Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Cook pasta shells in salted water according to package directions. Drain well.

Step 2: Cook Meat

Cook beef in olive oil until browned and cooked through (3-5 minutes). Drain excess grease and set aside.

Step 3: Start Sauce

Cook onion until translucent. Add garlic, herbs, and sprinkle flour. Cook flour for 1 minute.

Step 4: Thicken Sauce

Add broth and tomato sauce to the pot. Simmer for 6-8 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 5: Mix Everything

Combine pasta, beef, cream, and cheese in a pot. Heat until warmed through, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the delicious Tasty Beef Shells, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness. The finished dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent any odors from the fridge affecting the flavor of the dish.

If you have made a large batch of Tasty Beef Shells and want to store them for a longer period, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. The dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a splash of broth or cream while reheating can help restore the creamy texture of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions for this recipe, you can try using a different type of pasta such as penne or farfalle instead of shell pasta. These shapes will still hold the sauce well and provide a similar texture to the dish. For a healthier option, you can also use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.

In place of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Each of these substitutions will work well with the sauce and still provide a flavorful and satisfying dish. If you prefer a different type of cheese, you can swap the sharp cheddar for mozzarella, parmesan, or even a blend of different cheeses to suit your taste preferences. The cheese will still melt beautifully and add a delicious richness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with this Tasty Beef Shells recipe, consider baking the filled shells in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation. Top each shell with a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar before baking to create a crispy, cheesy crust on top. Serve these individual portions with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Alternatively, you can also create a unique twist by stuffing the cooked shell pasta with the beef mixture and then deep frying them until crispy. Serve these crispy beef-stuffed shells as an appetizer or party snack with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. This unexpected and delicious dish is sure to impress your guests and elevate your next gathering.

FAQs for Savory Beef Stuffed Shells

Question?

Can I substitute the ground beef with ground turkey?

Answer.

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Question?

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Answer.

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Penne or rotini pasta would work well with this dish.

Question?

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Answer.

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground “beef” and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also omit the meat altogether and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

Conclusion

These Tasty Beef Shells are sure to become a family favorite in no time. The combination of tender pasta shells, flavorful ground beef, and creamy tomato sauce makes for a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. The cheesy topping takes it to the next level, adding a deliciously gooey finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these Tasty Beef Shells with your loved ones. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your preferences, so feel free to get creative with the ingredients. Whether you’re cooking up a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, these Tasty Beef Shells are sure to impress with their delicious flavors and comforting appeal. Bon appétit!