I know many of you are looking for easy, comforting dinner ideas, and nothing beats a good pasta dish. Especially when it involves hearty beef and a rich, creamy sauce. I’ve got two fantastic beef pasta recipes today that I think you will love, perfect for any weeknight.
These recipes are simple to make, packed with flavor, and will surely become family favorites. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Creamy Beef And Shells Pasta Dinner
This recipe is pure comfort food, bringing together tender pasta shells with a wonderfully rich and creamy beef sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to put together on a busy evening.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Ground Beef Choice: I recommend using lean ground beef to keep the dish from getting too oily. If you use regular, make sure to drain the fat well after browning.
- Perfect Pasta Shells: Cook your pasta shells until they are just al dente. They will finish cooking in the sauce and absorb all those great flavors without getting mushy.
- For a Rich Sauce: Cream cheese is key here for that thick, creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
What You Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz small pasta shells
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
⏱️ Time: 30-35 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors blend. While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Step 3: Make it Creamy
Uncover the skillet and stir in the softened cream cheese and milk until smooth and fully combined. Add the cooked pasta shells and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir gently until everything is coated and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve your creamy beef and shells pasta hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
📝 Final Note
This dish makes great leftovers! If the sauce thickens too much when reheating, just add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it up.
Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty meal that also helps you meet your protein goals, this recipe is for you. It combines lean beef with protein-rich ingredients for a satisfying, creamy pasta dish.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Lean Ground Beef: Choose extra-lean ground beef for the best results in a high-protein dish. This reduces overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- Boost with Protein Pasta: Consider using lentil or chickpea-based pasta. These are widely available and significantly increase the protein content of your meal.
- Creaminess with Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic way to add creaminess and even more protein without heavy creams. Make sure to stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
What You Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz high-protein pasta (e.g., lentil or chickpea pasta)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
⏱️ Time: 35-40 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Beef and Vegetables
In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully browned. Break it up as it cooks. Drain any fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Meanwhile, cook your high-protein pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Step 3: Combine and Add Creaminess
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta, Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like.
📝 Final Note
For an even bigger veggie boost, you can add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when you cook the onion.