The Creamiest Easy Beef and Shells Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Crafting a mouthwatering easy creamy beef and shells dish promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Pasta lovers will adore this simple one-pan marvel that combines hearty ground beef with velvety cheese sauce.

Perfectly cooked shells capture rich, savory flavors in every delightful bite.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

creamy textures and robust seasoning create a meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Hungry souls can whip up this delectable recipe in under thirty minutes, making it a total game-changer for home cooks.

Dive into this irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons to Love Creamy Beef And Shells

• Grab-and-Go Comfort: Perfect weeknight dinner that combines hearty ground beef with creamy cheese shells, delivering maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
• Family Feast Champion: Kid-friendly recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love, from picky eaters to hungry adults.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires only one skillet and basic pantry staples, making this dish a go-to solution for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without complex techniques.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customizable with optional herbs, different cheese varieties, or added vegetables to suit individual taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Pasta Shells: Small curved pasta that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that provides rich flavor to the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that add depth and savory notes to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and prevents sticking.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a classic base for the beef mixture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Cook Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Grab a pot and fill it with water. Toss in the pasta shells and cook them following the package directions.

Once they’re perfectly tender, drain the water and set the shells aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Warm up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir and cook until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces.

Cook until the beef turns a rich brown color and loses its pink appearance. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in salt and pepper. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.

Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 5: Combine and Cream

Bring the cooked pasta shells back to the skillet.

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheese

Stir everything together until the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy and the cheese melts completely, coating each shell with rich, delicious goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Transfer the creamy beef and shells to serving plates.

The dish is now ready to be enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the skillet to the table.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, lighter sauce.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for superior melting and more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Rinse pasta shells with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and help maintain their shape during mixing.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to decrease calories while maintaining creaminess.
• Enhance protein content by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the beef sautéing stage for extra nutrition and texture.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Gluten-Free Beef and Shells: Replace regular pasta shells with gluten-free shell pasta made from rice or corn flour. Use gluten-free tomato sauce to maintain the recipe's integrity.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of shredded cheese for a similar creamy texture.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Shells: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder to the beef. Top with fresh cilantro and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Lean Protein Option: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Use low-fat cheese to reduce overall calorie content.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Gather everyone around the table and serve this hearty beef and shells dish as the star of your evening meal, creating warm memories with each delicious bite.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion the creamy beef and shells into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the busy work week, keeping your meals exciting and convenient.
• Cheesy Comfort Bowl: Top the pasta with extra shredded cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add personal flair and extra flavor to this classic comfort food.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in small appetizer portions during movie or game nights, letting friends and family enjoy this creamy, cheesy dish as a satisfying shared snack.

Storage Tips for Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

• Store leftover beef and shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer the dish to a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Cool the pasta completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth and keep the texture intact.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While shells work great for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini for similar results.

• What if I want to make this dish lighter?

Consider using ground turkey instead of beef, and swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories and fat content.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This is a beginner-friendly recipe that requires basic cooking techniques like sautéing and stirring, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.

Quick Cheesy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Rich and comforting beef and shells pasta blends hearty ground beef with creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying meal. Delicious dinner comes together quickly with simple ingredients and delivers classic comfort to hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 8 ounces (8 oz) medium pasta shells
• 1 can (15 ounces/15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta shells in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground beef into the skillet, methodically crumbling with a wooden spoon, and cook at 375°F until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Eliminate excess grease from the meat, then pour in tomato sauce, incorporating ground black pepper and kosher salt for enhanced flavor profile.
5. Allow the meat sauce to gently simmer for approximately 4-5 minutes, developing rich, concentrated flavors.
6. Reduce heat to low, fold in cooked pasta shells, blending thoroughly with the meat sauce.
7. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, stirring consistently to create a smooth, velvety texture.
8. Gradually sprinkle shredded cheese, continuously stirring until completely melted and sauce becomes uniformly creamy.
9. Remove from heat, let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to slightly thicken.
10. Transfer to serving dishes, garnish with optional fresh parsley, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calorie content.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil can elevate the flavor profile and add a bright, fresh element to the creamy sauce.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 710 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg