Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite Meal

Crafting a delightful creamy beef and shells recipe sparks joy in home kitchens everywhere.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of combining tender ground beef with perfectly cooked shell pasta.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this hearty dish that hugs your taste buds.

Rich, velvety sauce coats each shell, creating a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to savor.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions that please everyone at the table.

Quick preparation meets incredible flavor in this crowd-pleasing meal that takes less than thirty minutes.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner sensation.

Reasons to Love Creamy Beef And Shells

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This beef stew delivers a warm, soul-satisfying meal that hugs you from the inside out with rich, deep flavors perfect for chilly evenings.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: The recipe teaches fundamental cooking skills like browning meat, building layered flavors, and creating a robust one-pot meal with minimal kitchen expertise.
• Family Dinner Champion: Packed with nutritious vegetables and tender beef, this stew appeals to all ages, making it an ideal centerpiece for family gatherings or weekend meals that everyone will love.
• Low-Maintenance Cooking: Using just one pot and basic ingredients, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup while maximizing delicious results, making it a smart choice for busy home cooks seeking convenience without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Pasta Shells: Pasta that creates cozy pockets to hold the creamy sauce.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides depth and warmth to the recipe.
• Paprika: Spice that adds a subtle smoky undertone to the beef.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Tomato Sauce: Tangy sauce that creates a vibrant base for the dish.
• Beef Broth: Liquid that adds extra richness and meaty flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Ingredient that creates a luxurious and smooth sauce.
• Olive Oil: Fat used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.

• Cheese: Melty ingredient that binds the sauce and adds creamy texture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, colorful garnish.

How to Make Creamy Beef And Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain thoroughly and set aside.

The shells will catch the delicious sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.

Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown. Sprinkle in minced garlic and a dash of paprika for extra flavor depth.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Pour both ingredients into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, robust taste.

Step 5: Introduce Creamy Goodness

Reduce heat and gently stir in heavy cream. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese

• Cooked pasta shells
• Shredded cheese

Add the reserved pasta shells and cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and coats every shell with creamy goodness.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, creamy meal.

Pro Tips for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Choose medium-high heat when browning beef to develop rich, caramelized flavors without burning.
• Opt for full-fat heavy cream to ensure the sauce remains thick and luxurious without separating.
• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess liquid in the pan.
• Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Consider adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you enjoy slightly spicy dishes.

Flavor Twists for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Spicy Southwest Shells: Replace paprika with chili powder and add diced green chilies for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Shells: Mix in fresh basil, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Mushroom Lovers Shells: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions and add them to the beef mixture for an earthy flavor.
• Bacon Cheddar Shells: Crisp up bacon bits and sprinkle them on top, then use sharp cheddar instead of regular cheese for extra richness.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty pasta in large, deep bowls with crusty garlic bread on the side for soaking up extra creamy sauce.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Present the beef and shells on a big platter with extra grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs, perfect for sharing during movie or sports evenings.
• Lunch Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers with a small side salad for a delicious work or school lunch that reheats beautifully and keeps you full.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs on top for added texture and a gourmet touch that elevates this classic comfort dish.

Storage Tips for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents.
• Thaw frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• If the pasta seems dry when reheating, stir in a little extra cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture and prevent the shells from becoming tough or sticking together.

FAQs

• Why use heavy cream in this recipe?

Heavy cream adds richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce, making the beef and shells extra indulgent and creamy.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes if you want a leaner protein option while keeping the same delicious flavor profile.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or use a spicy paprika to increase the heat and give the recipe a kick of spice without changing the core recipe.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, most kids love cheesy pasta dishes with meat, and the mild seasonings make this a perfect family-friendly meal that’s both comforting and tasty.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy beef and shells combine hearty ground beef with tender pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. Comfort food enthusiasts will savor this classic dish that delivers satisfying flavors you can enjoy with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 oz (226 g) medium pasta shells
• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent and softened.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and browning completely. Mix in minced garlic and smoky paprika, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour tomato sauce and rich beef broth into the meat mixture, allowing ingredients to meld together. Simmer uncovered for approximately 5 minutes, reducing liquid slightly.
5. Lower heat and gently incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously until sauce transforms into a luxurious, thickened consistency.
6. Fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring each shell is generously coated. Sprinkle shredded cheese throughout and stir until completely melted and integrated.
7. Season the dish with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance flavors. Finish by garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch before serving hot.

Notes

• Choose pasta shells with ridges to help sauce cling better and create more flavor absorption.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version.
• Keep cream sauce smooth by adding cheese gradually and stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
• Use low-sodium broth and control salt level to manage overall dish’s sodium content, making it heart-friendly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg