Try This Dreamy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe Tonight

Mixing comfort and flavor, this creamy beef and shells recipe promises a delightful meal that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Hearty ground beef combines with tender pasta shells, creating a symphony of textures.

Cheese melts into a luxurious sauce that coats every delicate curve of the shells.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet satisfying, and this dish delivers perfectly.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients transform into a memorable meal.

Rich and indulgent, the recipe brings warmth to your dining table.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible pasta creation.

Why This Pasta Is Creamy, Cheesy Comfort

• Savor Quick Comfort: This creamy beef and shells recipe delivers a satisfying meal with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and hearty.
• Customize with Ease: Easily adapt the dish by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or swapping Parmesan for other cheeses, making it flexible for different taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Packed with familiar flavors and a creamy texture that appeals to both kids and adults, this one-pan meal ensures everyone at the table will enjoy a comforting, filling dinner.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one skillet reduces dishes and cooking time, allowing you to spend less time washing up and more time enjoying a delectable meal with your loved ones.

What You Need for Rich, Savory Shells

• Ground Beef: A savory protein that forms the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Shell Pasta: A curved pasta shape that perfectly captures the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and luxurious texture to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a flavorful foundation that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings depth and traditional Italian flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle, fruity undertone.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide a slight acidity and chunky texture to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and herbal note.

How to Cook the Creamiest Beef and Shells Ever

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until it develops a rich golden color and is fully cooked through.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Toss in chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and become fragrant.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Italian seasoning

Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop deep flavors.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Prepare shell pasta according to package instructions.

Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Fold the cooked pasta into the beef sauce.

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts completely and coats the shells evenly.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot. Enjoy your creamy, comforting meal straight from the skillet.

Tips for Getting That Velvety Sauce Just Right

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish versatile and diet-friendly.
• Drain excess fat after cooking beef to reduce calories and prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy.
• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar while simmering to enhance the depth of flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• For a creamier texture, mix in cream cheese or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to adjust the richness of the sauce.
• Boost nutrition by stirring in fresh spinach or frozen vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and vitamins.

Flavor Combos to Shake Up This Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Shells: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Beef Shells: Replace diced tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped fresh basil for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Mushroom Beef Shells: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions, use beef stock with a splash of red wine, and garnish with fresh thyme for an earthy variation.
• Creamy Pesto Beef Shells: Stir in prepared pesto sauce during the last minute of cooking, replace Parmesan with ricotta cheese, and sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for added texture.

Pairings That Make This Dish Even Cozier

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, creamy beef flavors and cuts through the dish's richness.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta and provide a fresh contrast.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor and providing a crunchy texture alongside the creamy pasta.
• Match with Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the bold beef and creamy sauce, offering a complementary and slightly bitter counterpoint to the rich dish.

Smart Storage for Creamy Pasta Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Revival: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little beef broth or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently and consistently until heated through and creamy.
• Freezer Storage: Transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Questions About Creamy Pasta? We’ve Got You

• What makes this dish different from traditional pasta recipes?

This recipe combines ground beef with a creamy sauce and shell pasta, creating a rich, comforting one-pan meal that’s more indulgent than typical pasta dishes.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef. It will provide a leaner protein option while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile of the dish.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy texture, mild seasonings, and familiar ingredients like pasta and beef make this a perfect meal that children typically enjoy.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the cooking process to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the meal.

Double-Cream Beef and Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this creamy beef and shells masterpiece, blending rich ground beef with perfectly tender pasta. Cheese-laden shells deliver hearty satisfaction, promising a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) shell pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, crumbling meat with a wooden spoon.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, rich beef broth, luxurious heavy cream, and aromatic Italian seasoning. Reduce heat and allow sauce to gently simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Simultaneously, prepare shell pasta in a separate pot according to package directions. Drain pasta thoroughly, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid.
5. Fold cooked pasta into the savory beef sauce, ensuring each shell is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a silky texture.
7. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish before serving the dish hot.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne if shells are unavailable or for variety.
• Consider adding sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free shell pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg