Homemade Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe That Kids Adore

Whipping up a delightful creamy beef and shells dish promises pure comfort on a hectic weeknight.

Pasta lovers know this classic combination never disappoints hungry families.

Robust ground beef mingles with tender shell pasta, creating a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Silky cheese sauce coats every shell, delivering incredible flavor in each satisfying bite.

Seasoned with simple ingredients from your pantry, this recipe comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for anyone craving a quick, delicious dinner solution.

Your kitchen will soon be filled with irresistible aromas that draw everyone to the table.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Creamy Beef and Shells

• Whip Up Comfort Food: This creamy beef and shells recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness perfect for family dinners.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With just one skillet and basic ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making it a go-to solution for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Flavor: The recipe allows easy modifications like swapping cheeses, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Kids and adults alike will love the rich, creamy texture and familiar flavors, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the dish.

• Pasta Shells: A pasta shape that perfectly captures the creamy sauce in its curves.

• Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a luxurious and smooth sauce that coats the pasta and beef.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth and foundational flavor to the recipe.

• Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Build a robust base for the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Provide balanced and complex seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Cooking Creamy Beef and Shells the Simple Way

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook the pasta shells in a pot of boiling water following the package directions.

Once they’re perfectly tender, drain the shells and set them aside, ready for their creamy destiny.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it turns a delicious golden brown.

Drain away any extra fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 3: Saute Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.

Stir and cook until they release their mouthwatering fragrance and become soft and translucent.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Base

• Tomato paste
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and develop a rich, deep taste.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream.

Sprinkle in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until they melt completely and create a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add the cooked pasta shells into the skillet.

Gently toss them around until every shell is generously coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy beef and shells!

Making Creamy Beef and Shells Turn Out Just Right

• Rinse shells with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring ideal texture.
• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess liquid in the skillet.
• Grate cheeses at room temperature and add gradually while stirring to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Toast Italian seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to enhance its aromatic qualities and intensify overall taste.
• If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out while maintaining rich, creamy texture.

Flavor Combos for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and top with jalapeños for a fiery kick.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta shells with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the rich, creamy texture.
• Ground Turkey Alternative: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter protein option with similar flavor profile and cooking method.

What to Serve with Creamy Beef and Shells

• Cheesy Comfort Combo: Pair this hearty beef and shells dish with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve in a large family-style dish and let everyone scoop their own portion, creating a fun and interactive meal experience.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Accompany with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top for a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the creamy, meaty base.

The Best Way to Store Creamy Beef and Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth or milk to prevent drying. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently and continuously until heated evenly, approximately 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess fat while maintaining good flavor and moisture.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Shells work perfectly, but you can substitute with medium-sized elbow macaroni or penne if needed.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy cheese sauce and mild seasonings make it appealing to children and adults alike.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the cooking process to boost nutritional value.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy beef and shells elevate comfort food with a rich, hearty pasta dish blending ground beef and tender pasta shells. Melted cheese and savory seasonings combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) medium pasta shells
• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

Sauces, Seasonings, and Dairy:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Sear ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until completely browned and crumbly. Eliminate excess grease.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
4. Introduce tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings. Allow mixture to simmer and develop flavors for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Lower temperature and gently fold in heavy cream, creating a luxurious base. Gradually sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until smoothly melted.
6. Fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy meat sauce, ensuring each shell is evenly coated with the rich, velvety mixture.
7. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish just before serving.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose medium or large shells to capture the most creamy sauce and ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
• Fat Management: Thoroughly drain beef fat to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a rich, clean taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese freshly and add gradually while stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce without clumping.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace pasta shells with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that maintains the dish’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg