Hearty Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible creamy beef and shells recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender ground beef nestles perfectly among soft pasta shells, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Each bite delivers a rich, velvety experience that warms you from the inside out.

The combination of perfectly seasoned meat and silky sauce makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Home cooks love how simple yet impressive this meal becomes with just a few straightforward ingredients.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master this delectable pasta creation.

Prepare to savor every delicious spoonful of this hearty, comforting classic.

Why Creamy Beef & Shells Feels So Comforting

• Creamy beef and shells deliver a hassle-free meal solution that's perfect for busy families.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses or adding extra spices to match your personal taste preferences.
• This one-pan wonder satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy texture and hearty beef base.
• Learn simple skills like browning meat, creating a smooth sauce, and achieving perfectly cooked pasta in one delicious recipe.

What Goes Into Creamy Beef & Shells

• Pasta Shells: A classic pasta shape that perfectly catches and holds the creamy sauce, creating a delightful texture in every bite.
• Ground Beef: The primary protein that adds rich flavor and heartiness to the dish.
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a tangy and sharp flavor that creates a creamy, luxurious sauce.
• Olive Oil: Provides a base for cooking the beef and helps prevent sticking.

• Onion, Garlic: A flavor base that adds depth and aromatic qualities to the beef mixture.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Mustard Powder: A blend of herbs and spices that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Beef Stock, Tomato Sauce, Flour, Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, rich sauce that binds all the ingredients together and provides a velvety texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Helps to balance and enhance the final flavors of the dish.

Cooking Method for Creamy Beef & Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

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

Aim for al dente texture to maintain pasta shape.

Drain and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and break it apart while cooking.

Allow beef to brown without excessive stirring.

Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Diced onion
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Mustard powder

Add diced onions to the skillet and cook until translucent.

Stir in remaining ingredients and cook for one minute to release aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

• Flour
• Beef stock
• Tomato sauce

Sprinkle flour over beef mixture and cook briefly.

Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce to prevent lumps.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• Cooked pasta
• Browned beef
• Heavy cream

Stir pasta, beef, and heavy cream into the sauce.

Heat thoroughly for about 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Finish With Cheese

Reduce heat and stir in extra sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.

Tips to Perfect Creamy Beef & Shells

• Cook shells al dente to maintain their perfect shape and prevent mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Let ground beef develop a nice golden crust by avoiding constant stirring, which helps create deeper flavor and better texture.
• Sauté spices briefly to awaken their aromatic compounds, transforming the sauce from ordinary to extraordinarily flavorful.
• Gradually whisk beef stock and tomato sauce into the flour-coated beef mixture, ensuring a smooth, velvety consistency without unwanted clumps.
• Reduce heat when adding cheddar cheese to achieve a silky, perfectly melted sauce that coats every shell evenly without separating.

Save & Reheat Leftovers the Creamy Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled beef and shells to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour leftovers into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of beef stock or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently and continuously until heated evenly, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Sides That Match Creamy Beef & Shells

• Boost Flavor Combinations: Pair this hearty creamy beef and shells dish with robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complement the rich, meaty flavors.
• Zesty Side Salad Strategy: Create a bright, tangy green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy sauce's richness and provide a fresh contrast to the heavy pasta.
• Crisp Vegetable Companion: Roast green beans or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add a crunchy vegetable element that balances the dish's creamy texture and provides nutritional depth.
• Wine Alternative Approach: Select a crisp craft beer like an amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the bold beef and cheese flavors while offering a refreshing palate cleanser.

Alternate Versions of Creamy Beef & Shells

• Gluten-Free Beef and Shells: Replace wheat pasta with gluten-free shell pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or rice flour for thickening the sauce. Use gluten-free beef stock to maintain the recipe's integrity.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap pasta shells with roasted cauliflower florets. Use the same creamy beef sauce and seasonings, creating a keto-friendly version that's lighter and vegetable-packed. Maintain the rich flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Keep the ground beef and spice blend unchanged for a similar taste experience that accommodates dairy sensitivities.
• Turkey Lean Protein Spin: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lower-fat protein option. Maintain the same cooking techniques and seasoning blend. This variation offers a healthier protein choice while preserving the recipe's comforting essence.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this dish unique?

Ground beef, pasta shells, extra sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices like Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder create a rich, flavorful meal that combines classic comfort food elements.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this creamy beef and shells recipe can be prepared ahead of time and reheated. The sauce and beef maintain their texture well when stored properly in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes. Just ensure you adjust cooking times and seasonings to match the protein you’re using.

• How can I make this dish less rich?

Reduce the amount of heavy cream and cheese, or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use a lighter cheese like reduced-fat cheddar to decrease the overall richness of the dish.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this hearty Creamy Beef and Shells pasta dish, blending rich flavors with pasta perfection. Cheesy, savory goodness awaits when you dive into this irresistible meal that promises warmth and satisfaction in every single bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese

Pasta and Liquid Base:

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells
• 2 cups beef stock
• 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta shells in a large pot of salted, boiling water until al dente. Follow package instructions carefully to maintain proper texture. Drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking into crumbles while cooking for 3-5 minutes. Brown thoroughly, then drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.
3. Incorporate diced onions into the skillet, sautéing until translucent. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder. Toast spices for approximately one minute to intensify their aromatic qualities.
4. Dust flour over the beef mixture, stirring to prevent clumping. Gradually introduce beef stock and tomato sauce, whisking continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 6-8 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and develop depth.
5. Fold in cooked pasta shells and heavy cream. Stir to integrate flavors and heat thoroughly for about 2 minutes, ensuring even distribution of sauce.
6. Reduce heat to low and gently melt extra sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture. Stir until sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs for added brightness.

Notes

• Perfectly time your pasta cooking to achieve the ideal al dente texture, preventing a mushy final dish.
• Use high-fat ground beef for extra richness, or swap with lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Drain beef fat thoroughly to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting Italian seasoning and adding red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
• Prevent sauce separation by slowly incorporating cream and cheese at a low, steady temperature.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free pasta shells.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerating for quick weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg