Homemade Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort food takes on a whole new dimension with this creamy beef and shells delight that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty pasta shells cradle seasoned ground beef in a velvety sauce that melts in your mouth.

Weeknight dinners never looked so appetizing or simple to prepare.

Each forkful delivers a rich, cheesy experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical on your dinner plate.

Home cooks can master this recipe with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing dish that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Creamy Beef And Shells Comfort Dish

• Conquer Comfort Food Cravings: This beef and shells recipe delivers pure satisfaction with minimal kitchen stress.
• Craft a Family Feast: One-pan magic transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Speed-Driven Deliciousness: Minimal prep and quick cooking steps mean you can go from hungry to happy in just a few simple moves.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cheeses, adjust spice levels, or add extra veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated techniques.

All Ingredients For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding the creamy beef sauce.

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides rich flavor and protein for the main dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that create a deep, savory base for the recipe.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that enhances the beef's natural flavor and adds depth to the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Foundational liquids that create a robust sauce with complex flavor profile.

• Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Dairy ingredients that transform the sauce into a luxurious, smooth mixture.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté the beef and onions.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh herb note to the finished dish.

Cooking Creamy Beef And Shells Perfectly

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Cook pasta shells in a large pot of salted water until they reach that perfect al dente texture. Drain the shells and set them aside, ready for their saucy adventure.

Step 2: Brown Beef Brilliance

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and diced onions, letting them sizzle and dance until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown.

Drain any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Spice Up The Party

• Minced garlic
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the spices mingle and release their aromatic magic for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Create Sauce Magic

Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer and bubble, allowing flavors to intertwine and the sauce to thicken slightly.

This is where the deliciousness begins to take shape.

Step 5: Creamy Cheese Transformation

Introduce heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet.

Stir until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy, creating a velvety blanket of flavor.

Step 6: Marry Pasta And Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce.

Ensure each shell gets a perfect coating of the rich, savory mixture.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot alongside garlic bread or a crisp side salad. Dinner is served!

Tips For Silky Creamy Beef And Shells

• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and prevent an overly salty dish.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
• Grate your own cheddar cheese for a smoother, more even melting compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Rinse pasta shells under cold water to stop cooking and prevent them from becoming mushy during the final mixing stage.
• Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after combining pasta and sauce to allow flavors to blend and sauce to thicken slightly.

Remix Ideas For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Spicy Beef and Shells: Replace paprika with cayenne pepper and add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Mix in red pepper flakes for more kick.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Choose nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb. Add oregano, mint, and crumbled feta cheese. Include diced roasted red peppers for Mediterranean flair.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Replace pasta shells with spiralized zucchini noodles. Keep beef and creamy sauce components identical for a lighter, low-carbohydrate option.

Serving Compliments For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Hearty Family Dinner Night: Serve this comforting beef and shells as a centerpiece meal with warm garlic bread and crisp green salad for a satisfying family gathering.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the dish into containers for easy lunch prep, ensuring delicious reheated meals throughout the week with perfect pasta and creamy sauce consistency.
• Game Day Comfort Feast: Transform the recipe into a party-friendly dish by topping with extra cheese, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing game day option.
• Quick Weeknight Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up this one-skillet wonder in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious and filling dinner without complicated preparation.

Storing Creamy Beef And Shells Properly

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking for optimal freshness.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the beef and shells separate from any garnishes.
• Use shallow containers to help the dish cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

• Why use shells pasta for this recipe?

Shells pasta is perfect because its curved shape helps capture and hold the creamy beef sauce, ensuring you get a delicious bite every time.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner protein alternative and will still provide amazing flavor in this dish.

• How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe has mild seasonings that provide warmth and depth without being hot, making it kid-friendly and enjoyable for most taste preferences.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! It uses simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and basic pantry seasonings, making it an economical meal for families.

Cheesy Quick Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy beef and shells pasta delivers comfort in a single skillet with hearty ground beef and tender pasta shells. Melted cheese and rich sauce create a satisfying meal that brings families together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Submerge pasta shells and cook until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef and diced onions, sautéing for 6-7 minutes until meat transforms into a rich, caramelized brown. Eliminate excess grease.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Allow aromatics to bloom and intensify for 2 minutes, releasing their robust flavors.
4. Pour tomato sauce and beef broth into the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing liquid to concentrate and develop a slightly thickened consistency.
5. Gently fold heavy cream and shredded cheddar into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a velvety, smooth texture.
6. Transfer cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce. Toss thoroughly, ensuring each shell is generously coated with the luxurious sauce.
7. Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. Accompany with crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Choose medium or jumbo shells to hold more sauce and create better texture contrast.
• Drain excess beef fat completely to prevent greasy sauce and maintain clean flavor profile.
• Reduce heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for leaner option or use plant-based meat alternative for vegetarian version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 524 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 387 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg