Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: A Dreamy Weeknight Wonder

Tucked away in every home cook’s arsenal, this easy creamy beef and shells recipe promises comfort in every delightful bite.

Pasta shells cradle rich, seasoned ground beef with surprising elegance.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious sauce that hugs each curve of the pasta.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions like this crowd-pleasing dish.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum flavor, making meal preparation a breeze.

Hearty and filling, these shells will silence hungry stomachs and spark conversation around the dinner table.

You’ll want to savor every creamy, beefy spoonful of this irresistible classic.

Expert Tips For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Choose ground beef with 85% lean meat for the perfect balance of flavor and reduced grease.
• Shred cheese directly from a block for better melting and smoother sauce consistency.
• Slightly undercook shells by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine for richer, more complex taste profile.
• Stir heavy cream slowly and at low heat to prevent separation and maintain silky texture.

Variations To Elevate Creamy Beef And Shells

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternative for a lactose-intolerant friendly version.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, swap paprika for chili powder, and mix in pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, use oregano instead of paprika, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired dish.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and maintain the creamy sauce for a meat-free option.

Serving Ideas For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this creamy beef and shells with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Hearty Side Kick: Serve alongside roasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious, rich sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Top with quick-sautéed zucchini or steamed broccoli florets to add nutrition and color.
• Family-Style Feast: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Storage Tips To Keep Creamy Beef And Shells Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Reheat in skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Add small amount of beef broth or cream to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to restore creaminess.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb work great as substitutes. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well to maintain the dish’s rich flavor profile.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during the meat cooking stage. You can also incorporate hot sauce when mixing the marinara sauce to increase the heat level.

Creamy Beef And Shells Comfort Food Delight

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This recipe delivers a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty dinner without spending hours cooking.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fest: Packed with familiar ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a crowd-pleasing experience.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexibility to swap ingredients or add extra vegetables, allowing home cooks to personalize the dish based on family preferences or pantry availability.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process make this recipe a go-to for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal dish-washing hassle.

Key Ingredients For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the base of this delicious pasta dish.

• Pasta Shells: Curved pasta shapes that perfectly capture and hold the creamy sauce.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional depth and savory notes to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that bring out the meat's natural flavors.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a foundational flavor for the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty richness to the final dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and preventing sticking.

• Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright finish to the creamy beef and shells.

Preparing Creamy Beef And Shells With Ease

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Prepare pasta shells following package instructions.

Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set them aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant, typically 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.

Cook the meat until it’s completely browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

Pour marinara sauce and beef broth into the skillet.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Add Creamy Richness

Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream until the sauce becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Pasta and Cheese

Fold in the previously cooked pasta shells and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve the beef and shells immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, comforting meal.

Easy Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy beef and shells pasta promises comfort with hearty ground beef and tender pasta shells. Cheesy, rich sauce coats each bite, delivering classic home-style satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta:

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauces and Liquids:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup beef broth

Oils and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika. Break meat into small crumbles and cook until completely browned and no pink remains, around 6-7 minutes.
4. Carefully drain any accumulated fat from the meat, then pour in marinara sauce and beef broth, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop flavors for 4-5 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low, slowly incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, integrated sauce.
6. Gently fold in cooked pasta shells, ensuring each shell is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a rich, velvety consistency.
8. Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Choose medium-sized pasta shells to ensure they capture the creamy sauce perfectly in their curves.
• Drain pasta slightly before it reaches al dente since it will continue cooking in the sauce, preventing mushiness.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Consider swapping heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie version that still maintains richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 494 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg