Quick Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe That Warms The Heart

Comfort finds its ultimate expression in this easy creamy beef and shells pasta that promises pure deliciousness.

Hearty ground beef mingles with tender pasta shells, creating a symphony of flavors.

Melted cheese blankets each bite with rich, velvety goodness.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every forkful.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing taste.

Cheesy, meaty, and incredibly simple, you can’t resist diving into this crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Grab a spoon and let the deliciousness begin!

Creamy Beef and Shells – Family Favorite

• Craft Colorful Desserts: Create stunning mini cheesecakes that mirror the iconic candy corn colors, perfect for Halloween parties or fall gatherings.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for novice bakers, requiring basic mixing and layering skills.
• Portion-Perfect Treats: Individual mini cheesecakes offer built-in portion control, making them ideal for sharing at potlucks or family events without messy cutting.
• Customizable Celebration Dessert: Easily adaptable for different occasions by adjusting decorations or colors, these mini cheesecakes bring a playful twist to traditional desserts.

Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Pasta Shells: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding the creamy beef sauce.

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Ingredients that create a smooth, luxurious sauce with a tangy cheese flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add depth and aromatic base to the recipe.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides a classic, slightly tangy foundation for the creamy beef mixture.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and prevents sticking while adding a subtle flavor.

Directions for Creamy Beef and Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook pasta shells in a pot of boiling water following package directions. Drain the shells completely and set them aside while preparing the beef mixture.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Add ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet with onions. Break up the beef into small crumbles while cooking until it turns completely brown and no pink remains.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for approximately 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and sauce to thicken.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Cheese

Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the beef mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Step 6: Season And Serve

Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and serve the beef and shells hot, directly from the skillet for maximum flavor and comfort.

Little Tips for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Opt for medium shells to ensure the perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio, allowing each bite to be fully coated.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more refined sauce.
• Grate fresh cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, more luxurious melting texture.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to develop deeper flavors and allow the seasonings to blend harmoniously.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.

Swaps for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Spicy Southwest Beef Shells: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Shells: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, use feta cheese, add oregano and spinach for a Greek-inspired version.
• Veggie Loaded Beef Shells: Mix in roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini to boost nutrition and add extra texture to the classic recipe.
• Smoky Bacon Beef Shells: Crisp chopped bacon before cooking beef, use smoked cheddar cheese, and sprinkle with green onions for a rich, smoky flavor profile.

Serve Creamy Beef and Shells with Sides

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty beef and shells dish with a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal. The fresh greens will cut through the richness of the creamy pasta.
• Comfort Food Platter: Pair the dish with garlic bread or buttered crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. Guests will love the extra carbs and flavor combination.
• Weeknight Meal Upgrade: Top the pasta with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness. This simple garnish elevates the visual appeal and adds a light herbal note.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Option: Transfer the beef and shells to a large serving dish for gatherings. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and keep warm in a slow cooker for easy buffet-style serving.

Creamy Beef and Shells – Best Way to Save It

• Transfer leftover beef and shells to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Warm the stored dish in a microwave or skillet, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. Stir gently while reheating to distribute heat evenly and prevent the pasta from drying out.
• Pack the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute shells with other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or penne. The cooking time and sauce absorption might slightly vary.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love creamy pasta dishes with ground beef. The mild seasonings and cheesy texture make it a perfect meal for children.

• Can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, reduce cheese quantity, or substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to lower calories and fat content.

• What sides work best with this dish?

Green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread complement the creamy beef and shells perfectly and add nutritional balance.

Easy Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy beef and shells pasta elevates comfort food with rich, hearty flavors from classic Italian-American cuisine. Hearty ground beef and tender pasta shells combine in a cheesy sauce that will satisfy hungry diners craving a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups pasta shells
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta shells in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet, breaking meat into small crumbles while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, around 6-7 minutes.
4. Pour tomato sauce into the meat mixture, blend in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to gently simmer and develop flavors for 4-5 minutes.
5. Fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy meat sauce, gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
7. Transfer to serving plates immediately while hot, ensuring each portion has an even distribution of meat, shells, and creamy sauce.

Notes

• Choose medium-sized pasta shells for the best sauce-to-pasta ratio, ensuring each bite is perfectly coated.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Consider swapping heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie version that still maintains creaminess.
• Try different cheese blends like mozzarella or pepper jack to customize the dish’s flavor profile and add exciting depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg