Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort food finds its perfect match in this creamy beef and shells culinary adventure.

Melted cheese embraces tender pasta shells and seasoned ground beef in a delightful dance of flavors.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Homemade magic happens when simple ingredients combine with unexpected zest.

Busy cooks appreciate meals that come together quickly without sacrificing taste.

Rich, creamy sauce coats every shell, creating irresistible bites that make you smile.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish that promises to become your new dinner favorite.

Creamy Beef And Shells That Everyone Will Enjoy

• Create Family Comfort: Perfect weeknight meal that brings everyone together around the table with rich, creamy flavors that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Speed Kitchen Hero: Prepare this delicious dish in just a few simple steps, making it an ideal solution for busy households needing a quick and satisfying dinner.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that combines pasta, protein, and a luxurious cheese sauce without creating mountains of dirty dishes.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions like different cheeses, herbs, or protein options to match your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Pasta Shells: A classic pasta shape that holds creamy sauce perfectly.

• Ground Beef: The main protein that provides rich, hearty flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth and savory base notes to the recipe.

• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Provide moisture and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth texture for the sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty element that completes the creamy sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Blend together to create a well-rounded, balanced taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the beef and onions, providing a base for cooking.

How To Prepare Creamy Beef And Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook pasta shells in a pot of salted water following the package guidelines. Once tender, drain the shells and set them aside, ready to join the delicious beef mixture later.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef And Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onions, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally.

Cook until the beef turns a rich brown color and the onions become soft and translucent, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes. The kitchen will fill with a wonderful fragrant aroma as the garlic becomes golden and releases its flavor.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.

Step 5: Incorporate Creamy Elements

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream.

Gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, watching the sauce thicken and become luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Cheese

Introduce the cooked pasta shells into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat each shell with the rich sauce.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a wonderfully creamy texture.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

Transfer the beef and shells to serving plates.

If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your comforting meal while it’s hot!

Tips To Make Creamy Beef And Shells Delicious

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
• Grate fresh cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, more authentic melting texture.
• Rinse pasta shells with cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together and maintain their shape.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Allow the sauce to simmer gently to develop rich, deep flavors and prevent separation of cream-based components.

Variations For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a creamy texture.
• Spicy Mexican Spin: Add diced green chilies, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with taco seasoning for a zesty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Serving Ideas For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Family Dinner Champion: Serve this hearty dish as a complete meal with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a satisfying dinner that will make everyone happy at the table.
• Potluck Superstar: Pack this creamy beef and shells in a large casserole dish for gatherings, topping with extra cheese and fresh herbs to impress friends and family at community events.
• Lunch Prep Wonder: Portion leftovers into meal prep containers for easy, delicious work or school lunches that reheat perfectly and provide a comforting midday meal with minimal effort.
• Quick Kid-Friendly Option: Cut the pasta shells into smaller pieces for younger children, making it easier for them to eat and enjoy this cheesy, flavorful dish that's packed with protein.

Storage Tips For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture.
• Use shallow containers to help the food cool quickly and evenly.
• Label the container with the date to track freshness.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute shells with other short pasta like elbow macaroni or penne. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is mild. The spices used like paprika and garlic powder add flavor without heat. If you want spiciness, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

• Can I make this dish healthier?

You can use lean ground beef, reduce cheese amount, or substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk to lower calories and fat content.

• What's the best way to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese off the heat and stir slowly to help it melt smoothly and create a creamy, even texture.

Delicious Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this easy creamy beef and shells pasta dish that combines hearty ground beef with creamy cheese sauce. Pasta shells cradle seasoned meat in a rich, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners that you’ll eagerly return to again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Vegetable Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

Cheese and Seasoning Blend:

• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• 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. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, add ground beef and onions, browning meat and softening vegetables for 6-7 minutes.
3. Drain accumulated fat from the skillet, then add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, approximately 1 minute.
4. Pour diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings into the skillet, creating a robust sauce. Simmer for 4-5 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Reduce heat to low, gently incorporate heavy cream into the mixture, allowing sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
6. Fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring even coating and distribution.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, cohesive texture.
8. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and additional flavor profile.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Test pasta doneness by cooking al dente, ensuring shells remain slightly firm for better texture and preventing mushiness.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, healthier alternative without compromising creamy consistency.
• Consider adding chopped spinach or diced bell peppers during beef cooking stage for extra nutrition and vibrant color boost.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg