Description
Creamy Beef and Shells (Homemade Hamburger Helper) elevates a nostalgic childhood staple into a sophisticated, nutrient-dense meal using fundamental culinary science. It balances savory umami from browned beef with a velvety, starch-thickened sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta shell.
Ingredients
1 lb Lean Ground Beef
8 oz Medium Pasta Shells
2.5 – 3 cups Beef Broth
1 small Yellow Onion, finely diced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1/2 cup Heavy Cream or Whole Milk
1.5 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onions to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are translucent and slightly softened. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for about 1 minute
- Season and Deglaze: Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Pour in the beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pa
- Simmer the Pasta: Add the dry pasta shells to the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Emulsify the Sauce: Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the milk or heavy cream. Turn the heat to low and gradually fold in the shredded cheddar cheese
- Final Adjustment: Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of broth to reach the desired consistency
Notes
Use high-quality grass-fed beef and freshly grated cheese for the best results. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses.
If using poultry, add Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.
For lighter cream, consider substituting with whole milk or Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg