Irresistibly Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for Cozy Dinners

A comforting beef and shells dish that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness.

This creamy beef and shells recipe promises a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Hearty ground beef mingles with tender pasta shells, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich, velvety sauce coats each shell, delivering a mouthwatering experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet satisfying meal.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single creamy, beefy bite.

Why Creamy Beef And Shells Is Always A Hit

• Quickly Creamy Comfort: Dive into a soul-warming dish that combines tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce that hugs every single shell.
• Effortless Weeknight Winner: Whip up this restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a delicious dinner without complicated cooking techniques.
• Flavor-Packed One-Skillet Magic: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste with a harmonious blend of ground beef, aromatic spices, and rich cheesy goodness.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for picky eaters, this recipe allows easy modifications like swapping cheeses or adding extra vegetables, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied and happy.

All You’ll Need For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Ground Beef: Rich, meaty base that gives hearty flavor to the dish. Lean beef works best for less grease.

• Pasta Shells: Curved shape perfect for holding creamy sauce. Medium or large shells recommended for best texture.

• Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, tangy elements that create smooth, rich sauce. Fresh, high-quality cheeses provide best melting consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that add depth and complexity. Fresh onions and garlic provide more robust taste.

• Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Liquid and spice components that develop layered, savory profile. Store-bought or homemade seasonings work well.

• Olive Oil: Provides initial cooking fat and helps prevent sticking. Extra virgin olive oil adds subtle flavor.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and light, herbal note. Optional but recommended for visual appeal.

Easy Cooking Guide For Creamy Beef And Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt. Let the water dance to a rolling boil. Gently drop the shell pasta into the bubbling water. Cook until the shells are tender but still have a gentle bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beefy Base

Warm a splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Tumble in the ground beef, breaking it into delightful crumbles. Let the meat sizzle and transform into a golden-brown wonderland. Once cooked, bid farewell to any excess grease.

Step 3: Awaken the Flavor Makers

Introduce diced onions to the beefy landscape. Let them dance and soften, releasing their sweet aroma. Sprinkle in minced garlic, allowing it to whisper its aromatic magic for a brief moment.

• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir these flavor champions into the skillet. Let them simmer and mingle, creating a rich, harmonious sauce for about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Dream

Lower the heat to a gentle whisper. Pour in velvety heavy cream. Gradually invite cheddar and Parmesan cheeses to the party. Stir until they melt into a luxurious, smooth sauce that hugs every ingredient.

Step 5: Unite and Celebrate

Reunite the cooked pasta shells with the beefy, creamy sauce. Toss them together, ensuring each shell is generously coated. Let them warm up together for a couple of minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Dish out the pasta onto warm plates. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some additional Parmesan or fresh parsley on top. Watch as your dinner guests’ eyes light up with anticipation!

Bonus Tip: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Great Cooking Advice For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Pasta Perfection: Choose medium or large shells to capture maximum sauce in each bite, ensuring a delightful creamy texture throughout the dish.
• Beef Browning Brilliance: Cook ground beef over medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in deep, rich flavors.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Remove the skillet from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and create a silky, smooth sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Seasoning Savvy: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta shells with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, comforting essence of the original recipe.

How To Store And Reheat Creamy Beef And Shells Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep flavors fresh.
• Cooling: Let the dish cool completely before storing to minimize condensation and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerator Storage: Keep the creamy beef and shells in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place in the coldest part of the fridge to maintain quality.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sauce separation. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

What Dishes Pair Well With Creamy Beef And Shells

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, creamy beef shells with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, whose bold flavors match the hearty meat and cheese sauce perfectly.
• Crisp Side Salad Balance: Create a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creaminess, using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing.
• Roasted Vegetable Companion: Prepare garlic-seasoned roasted broccoli or asparagus as a side dish, providing a fresh, slightly charred contrast to the pasta's luxurious texture.
• Crusty Bread Pairing: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic baguette slices alongside the dish, perfect for soaking up the delicious cheese and meat sauce.

Quick Twists For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Spicy Southwest Shells: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, and top with fresh jalapeños for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Magic: Replace beef with ground lamb, incorporate feta cheese, add oregano, and sprinkle with chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Veggie Shells: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and add roasted bell peppers for extra depth.
• Smoky Bacon Infusion: Mix crispy crumbled bacon into the sauce, use smoked paprika instead of regular, and garnish with green onions for a rich, smoky flavor profile.

Top Questions About Creamy Beef And Shells

• What makes this Creamy Beef and Shells dish special?

This recipe combines hearty ground beef with perfectly cooked pasta shells and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s packed with flavor from Italian seasoning and multiple cheese types.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe. Just keep the cooking technique the same.

• How can I make this dish a bit healthier?

Use lean ground beef, reduce the amount of cheese, or substitute some of the heavy cream with low-fat milk. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy beef and shells masterpiece, where tender pasta cradles rich, savory ground beef in a velvety sauce. Hearty, satisfying flavors welcome diners to a quick and delicious meal perfect for hungry families seeking delightful dinner inspiration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (225 g) medium pasta shells

Primary Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta shells, cooking until they reach a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a generously sized skillet over medium flame. Introduce ground beef, methodically fragmenting the meat with a wooden utensil until it transforms into a rich, caramelized brown. Eliminate any surplus fatty residue.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions into the beef, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence. Quickly introduce minced garlic, stirring briefly to awaken its intense flavor profile.
4. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer, creating a robust foundation that melds flavors harmoniously.
5. Gently reduce heat and cascade heavy cream into the skillet. Gradually fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until a velvety, seamless sauce emerges.
6. Delicately fold the prepared pasta shells into the creamy concoction, ensuring each shell becomes luxuriously coated. Allow the mixture to gently heat through, marrying all ingredients.
7. Taste and refine the seasoning, adding additional salt and pepper if necessary. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally embellishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh parsley for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose a large, wide skillet to ensure even cooking and sufficient space for mixing pasta and sauce.
• Drain pasta just before al dente to prevent overcooking when combined with the beef mixture.
• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and develop deeper flavor complexity.
• Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and richer taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
• Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick that enhances the overall dish’s richness.
• Gluten-free option: Replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free shell pasta or cauliflower shells.
• Meal prep friendly: Store in airtight containers and reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain sauce consistency.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating finely chopped spinach or zucchini during the beef cooking stage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg