Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Whipping up a delightful creamy beef and shells can transform an ordinary weeknight meal into something spectacular.

Pasta lovers appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal ingredients.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than tender ground beef nestled among perfectly cooked pasta shells.

Melted cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that hugs each shell with incredible flavor.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe delivers on both taste and simplicity.

Families will absolutely devour every single bite of this crowd-pleasing classic.

You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds of this irresistible comfort meal.

Creamy Beef and Shells Ingredients

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides rich flavor and protein to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheeses that create a smooth, creamy texture and add depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a silky and luxurious sauce.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational savory base for the recipe.

• Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes: Add tangy depth and richness to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the overall meaty flavor of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing aromatics and preventing sticking.

• Fresh Herbs: Optional topping that adds a fresh note to the finished dish.

Preparation Steps for Creamy Beef and Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until perfectly al dente.

Drain in a colander and set aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to release their aroma.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Elements

Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer and reduce to develop a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will form a smooth, velvety foundation for the dish.

Step 6: Melt Cheese

Sprinkle in cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Stir until completely melted, creating a creamy sauce that coats every surface.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, gently stirring to coat each shell generously with the cheesy beef sauce.

Step 8: Thicken the Sauce

Simmer the mixture for a few minutes to thicken the sauce and allow the shells to absorb its rich flavors.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Scoop the creamy beef shells into serving bowls. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Tips for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Cook shells just until al dente to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
• Toast tomato paste for 1-2 minutes before adding other ingredients to intensify its rich, caramelized taste.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker texture or adding more broth for a lighter sauce.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy incorporation.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil just before serving to add bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color contrast.

Variations on Creamy Beef and Shells

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Lean Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Comfort Food Companions: Pair this creamy beef and shells with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta dish.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious, creamy sauce and add extra texture.
• Fresh Herb Flourish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, basil, or chives on top to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color to the comforting meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot to enhance the beef's richness and balance the creamy sauce.

Storage Instructions for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or lamb work great as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce and cheesy pasta make it a hit with children who love comfort food.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce for extra heat and kick.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even plain Greek yogurt to maintain the creamy texture.

Creamy Beef and Shells Overview

• Quick Family Feast: Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this one-pan meal delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender beef and pasta creates an irresistible dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different serving styles and preferences.
• Simple Cooking Process: Straightforward preparation with basic ingredients makes this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring just one skillet and standard kitchen tools.

Silken Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this creamy beef and shells pasta, blending rich ground beef with tender pasta shells and a velvety cheese sauce. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) medium pasta shells
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (100 grams) cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 14.5 ounces (411 grams) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black 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 set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until deeply browned with crispy edges, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
4. Incorporate tomato paste and diced tomatoes, stirring continuously and allowing the mixture to caramelize and develop rich flavors.
5. Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce and bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Gradually blend shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, velvety texture.
7. Fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring each shell is evenly coated and absorbs the robust flavors.
8. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling perfectly to the pasta.
9. Plate the creamy beef shells immediately, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley for brightness.

Notes

• Toast pasta shells briefly in a dry skillet before boiling to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sticking.
• Choose lean ground beef with around 85% meat content for the perfect balance of flavor and texture without excess grease.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the beef cooking stage for extra nutrition and color.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg