The Best Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort arrives with this easy creamy beef and shells recipe that promises pure culinary satisfaction.

Home cooking doesn’t get more delightful than a cheesy pasta dish packed with hearty flavors.

Warm memories of childhood dinners flood back when savoring each delectable bite.

Pasta shells capture rich beef and creamy sauce in every forkful, creating magic on your plate.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Busy families will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without compromising deliciousness.

Grab a fork and prepare to be amazed by this irresistible comfort food classic.

Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Overview

• Quickly Customize Comfort: Adapt this beef and shells recipe with your favorite cheese or add extra veggies for a personalized touch that makes every meal feel special.
• Perfect Family Weeknight Winner: Packed with hearty protein and creamy cheese, this one-skillet meal satisfies hungry family members of all ages with minimal cleanup required.
• Simple Skill-Builder Recipe: Beginner cooks can master this dish easily, learning key cooking techniques like browning meat, making a quick sauce, and combining ingredients smoothly without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal Solution: Whether hosting a casual dinner or needing a reliable go-to recipe, this creamy beef and shells delivers rich flavors that appeal to both kids and adults with its comforting blend of pasta and savory beef.

Ingredients List for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Pasta Shells: A classic curved pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly and provides a delightful texture.
• Ground Beef: Lean protein that adds rich, meaty flavor to the dish and creates a hearty base.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that melts smoothly and adds a delicious tangy richness.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that provide a deep, savory foundation and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and provides a light, subtle flavor to the base.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a rich, savory sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a slight tanginess and helps build the sauce's complexity.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture and adds richness to the sauce.

Cooking Steps for Creamy Beef and Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

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

Once tender, drain the shells and set them aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.

Cook until the meat turns a rich brown color and is completely cooked through.

Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 4: Create Thickening Base

Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture, stirring continuously.

Cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a golden roux that will help thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Build Sauce Layers

Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently, watching it thicken and develop deep, rich flavors.

Let it bubble softly for 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Incorporate Creamy Elements

Introduce heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet.

Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce.

Ensure each shell is generously coated with the luxurious mixture.

Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Transfer the beef and shells to serving plates.

Enjoy the comforting, cheesy dish while it’s piping hot, offering a delightful blend of tender pasta and rich, creamy beef sauce.

Pro Tips for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Rinse shells with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
• Use lean ground beef or drain excess fat thoroughly to create a lighter, healthier dish.
• Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Enhance the dish by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra complexity.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternative for a lactose-free version.
• Protein Power: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat crumbles for a leaner protein option.
• Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful dish.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to elevate the flavor profile for those who enjoy heat.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Make this beef and shells the star of your evening meal, bringing everyone together around a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the creamy richness of the pasta.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance the hearty main course and add nutritional variety to your plate.
• Leftovers Transformation: Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of extra broth to maintain the creamy texture, making this a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Storage Advice for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Carefully pack the beef and shells in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth or milk to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs

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

Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. Leaner meats can make the dish too dry.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate. Add pasta shells just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat and kick.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy cheese sauce and pasta shells make this a crowd-pleasing meal that children typically love.

Easy Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting creamy beef and shells bring Italian-American pasta magic to dinner tables with hearty ground beef and tender pasta shells. Cheesy, rich sauce blends perfectly, creating a quick family-favorite meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells

Dairy and Cheese:

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

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce

Seasonings and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta shells in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and cook out the raw flour flavor for 2 minutes.
5. Slowly pour beef broth and tomato sauce into the skillet, allowing the liquid to incorporate smoothly while stirring continuously.
6. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 5-6 minutes, watching for a slight thickening and consistent texture.
7. Stream heavy cream into the sauce, then gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and integrated.
8. Gently fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring each shell is evenly coated.
9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
10. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while hot and garnish with optional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Customize pasta texture by cooking shells slightly less than package instructions for a firmer bite when mixed with creamy sauce.
• Enhance flavor by using high-quality sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild varieties for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Reduce fat content by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, maintaining creamy consistency while cutting calories.
• Transform dish into gluten-free option by using cornstarch instead of flour as thickening agent and selecting gluten-free pasta shells.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 667 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg