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CREAMY BEEF SHELLS
freshfitfood_
75m
CREAMY BEEF SHELLS
Author:
freshfitfood_
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CREAMY BEEF SHELLS

A rich and satisfying dish featuring pasta shells generously filled with a flavorful high-protein creamy beef mixture. This recipe combines hearty ground beef seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of chili, enveloped in a creamy sauce, and baked to perfection with tender conchiglie pasta. The unique shape of the pasta shells is perfect for capturing the savory filling, creating a delightful 'ravioli vibe'. It's a generous and delicious meal that's sure to be a family favorite.
#Pasta
#Beef
#Creamy
#Dinner
#Italian-American
#Comfort Food
#High-Protein
#Shells
Baked Creamy Beef Shells, Close-up
Baked Creamy Beef Shells, Close-up

Recipe Information

15m
Prep Time
1h
Cook Time
1h 15m
Total Time
6
Servings
Medium
Italian-American
English
Nutrition (per serving)
710
Calories
48g
Protein
75g
Carbs
25g
Fat
Serving of Creamy Beef Shells
Serving of Creamy Beef Shells

Ingredients

  • Conchiglie pasta
    (or large pasta shells)

    16 ounces
  • Olive oil

    1 tablespoon
  • Ground beef (lean)

    1 pound
  • Yellow onion
    (finely chopped)

    1 medium
  • Garlic
    (minced)

    2 cloves
  • Salt

    1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper

    0.5 teaspoon
  • Italian seasoning

    1 tablespoon
  • Chili flakes
    (or to taste)

    0.5 teaspoon
  • Crushed tomatoes
    (can)

    28 ounces
  • Cream cheese
    (softened)

    4 ounces
  • Beef broth

    0.5 cup
  • Mozzarella cheese
    (shredded)

    1 cup
  • Fresh parsley
    (chopped, for garnish (optional))

    2 tablespoons
Servings: 6
💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
Dish Ready to Serve
Dish Ready to Serve

Instructions

0/7 completed
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  • 1

    Cook the conchiglie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    10m
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    Cook the conchiglie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    10m

    Do not overcook the pasta, as it will bake further in the oven.
  • 2

    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    6m
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    6m

    Ensure the garlic doesn't burn to avoid a bitter taste.
  • 3

    Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    6m
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
    6m

    Lean ground beef will result in less fat to drain.
  • 4

    Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Add crushed tomatoes, cream cheese, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    12m
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Add crushed tomatoes, cream cheese, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
    12m

    Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • 5

    Preheat your oven to 3750F (1900C). Add the cooked conchiglie pasta to the beef and sauce mixture, tossing gently to combine thoroughly.
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    3m
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    Preheat your oven to 3750F (1900C). Add the cooked conchiglie pasta to the beef and sauce mixture, tossing gently to combine thoroughly.
    3m

    Ensure each shell is coated with the flavorful sauce.
  • 6

    Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    25m
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
    25m

    For an extra golden crust, you can briefly broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • 7

    Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    2m
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
    2m

    Allowing the dish to rest helps the sauce set and prevents it from being too runny.
💡 Tip: Click on any step to mark it as completed and track your cooking progress!

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