Looking for a comforting, budget-friendly meal that comes together in just 30 minutes? Look no further than this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe! Packed with hearty ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a savory tomato and chicken broth sauce with a hint of creaminess, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and delicious. It’s like a hug in a bowl, and the best part? You only need a handful of pantry staples!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic nights.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, comforting flavors.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup and more convenience—everything cooks in one skillet!
Customizable: You can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef: A rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: To season the beef and enhance the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Sazon Perfecta seasoning: A flavorful blend of spices that adds a burst of Latin-inspired taste.
- 2 cups pasta shells: Medium-sized shells work best for holding the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup oil: Used for browning the pasta.
- 4 cups water: For cooking the pasta and creating the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Knorr granulated chicken stock: Adds a rich, savory flavor.
- 4 tablespoons Knorr granulated tomato stock: Enhances the tomato base of the sauce.
- 3 serrano peppers, cubed: For a subtle kick of heat (adjust to taste).
- 1/2 onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 packet rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies): For a tangy, slightly spicy tomato flavor.
- A handful of cilantro, chopped: Fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the dish.
- Garlic powder and onion powder, to taste: For extra seasoning.
- 2 packages red mill seasoning: Adds color and flavor to the sauce (optional).
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the sauce.
Ingredient Tips
Ground Beef: Use a lean ground beef (85% lean) to reduce the amount of fat that needs to be drained. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used if you’re in a pinch.
Sazon Perfecta Seasoning: If you don’t have this seasoning, you can substitute it with a mix of ground cumin, coriander, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
Pasta Shells: Medium-sized pasta shells are perfect for catching the sauce. You can also use rotini, penne, or any short pasta.
Chicken and Tomato Stock: Knorr granulated stocks are suggested, but you can use any chicken or tomato bouillon cubes or powders. Adjust the quantity to taste.
Serrano Peppers: Serrano peppers add a nice amount of heat, but you can omit them or use milder peppers if you prefer less spice.
Rotel: If you don’t have Rotel, use canned diced tomatoes and add a small can of green chilies for a similar flavor.
Instructions Outline
1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the minced garlic, black pepper, and Sazon Perfecta seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. Brown the Pasta Shells
While the meat is cooking, in a separate deep skillet, heat 1/4 cup of oil over medium heat. Add the pasta shells and cook, stirring frequently, until they are lightly browned. This step adds a toasty flavor to the pasta, similar to browning rice for a pilaf. Be careful not to burn the pasta.
3. Combine Beef and Pasta
Once the pasta is browned, add the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the pasta shells. Stir to combine and ensure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Prepare the Broth Mixture
Add 4 cups of water to the skillet, followed by the Knorr granulated chicken stock, Knorr granulated tomato stock, cubed serrano peppers, and sliced onion. Stir in the packet of Rotel, chopped cilantro, and season with garlic powder and onion powder to taste.
5. Add Seasonings and Simmer
Add the bay leaf and the two packages of red mill seasoning if using. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Serve
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, comforting dish!
Serving Suggestions
With Fresh Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Over Greens: Spoon over a bed of fresh spinach or arugula for a healthy twist.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Add Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.
Tortilla Chips: Serve with tortilla chips on the side for a fun, crunchy texture.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Meal Prep: Make a double batch and freeze half for a future meal. This is a great way to have a comforting, homemade meal ready whenever you need it!
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Spicy Twist: Increase the heat by adding more serrano peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend) just before serving for a rich, creamy texture.
Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning in place of Sazon Perfecta and add canned tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic for an Italian-inspired version.
Mexican Flavor: Add corn kernels, black beans, and a squeeze of lime juice to give this dish a more Southwestern flair.
Final Note
This 30-Minute Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to please everyone at the table. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and make it your own. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a quick lunch, this recipe is a winner!
30-minute Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Black pepper to taste
- Sazon Perfecta seasoning to taste
- 2 cups pasta shells
- 1/4 cup oil
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Knorr Granulated Chicken Stock
- 4 tablespoons Knorr Granulated Tomato Stock
- 3 serrano peppers chopped
- 1/2 onion sliced
- 1 packet rutile or diced tomatoes
- A handful of fresh cilantro chopped
- Garlic powder to taste
- Onion powder to taste
- 2 packages of Sazon Rouge or red seasoning mix
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat with minced garlic, black pepper, and Sazon Perfecta seasoning until browned.
- Brown the pasta: In a separate deep skillet, brown the pasta shells in 1/4 cup of oil over medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted.
- Combine meat and pasta: Drain the fat from the ground beef, then add the meat to the browned pasta shells.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in 4 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of Knorr Granulated Chicken Stock, 4 tablespoons of Knorr Granulated Tomato Stock, chopped serrano peppers, sliced onion, diced rutile (tomatoes), chopped cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, Sazon Rouge, and bay leaf.
- Simmer: Stir well, cover the skillet, and cook over medium-high heat until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy this creamy, flavorful Mexican pasta with ground beef!