Try Our Simple Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe Tonight

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy beef and shells recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Rich, velvety pasta shells cradle seasoned ground beef in a luxurious sauce.

Cheese melts perfectly throughout, creating an irresistible blend of textures and flavors.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together on busy weeknights.

The combination of tender beef and perfectly cooked shells makes every bite a celebration of simple, hearty ingredients.

You’ll find this dish disappears faster than it takes to prepare, leaving everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s uncover the magic of this crowd-pleasing meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

FAQs

• What makes this beef and shells recipe different from other pasta dishes?

This recipe combines the richness of ground beef with a creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta shells, creating a comforting one-pan meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes if you want to change up the protein. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

• Is this dish spicy?

The chili powder adds a subtle warmth, but it’s not overly spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount or omit it completely without compromising the overall taste of the dish.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, opt for low-sodium beef broth, and consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.

Why This Creamy Beef Pasta Stands Out

• Perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly.
• Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions like extra veggies, different spices, or cheese toppings to match personal tastes.
• Rich, creamy sauce with a hint of spice creates a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a joy.
• Minimal kitchen cleanup with everything prepared in a single pan, reducing dishwashing and saving precious time after cooking.

What You Need for Easy Beef & Shells

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta Shells: Classic curved pasta that holds sauce beautifully and provides a delightful texture to the dish.

• Lean Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that creates a hearty base for the creamy sauce and adds substantial flavor.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking foundation and enhances overall flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep, savory flavor profile for the dish.

• Tomato Sauce: Adds rich, tangy base to the sauce and provides depth of flavor.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich liquid foundation that enhances the meat's natural taste.
• Heavy Cream: Transforms the sauce into a luxurious, smooth, and creamy texture.

• Chili Powder: Introduces a subtle warm heat and complexity to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other flavors in the dish.

Instructions for Making Beef & Shells

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Grab a big pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the pasta shells into the bubbling water and cook until they’re tender but still have a slight bite.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle Those Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in the chopped onions and let them dance around the pan.

Cook until they become soft and develop a lovely golden-brown edge, which adds depth to the dish’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Brown The Meaty Goodness

Introduce the ground beef to the onion party.

Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, ensuring it cooks evenly.

Let the beef brown beautifully, creating those delicious crispy bits that make every bite exciting.

If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it away.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Minced garlic
• Chili powder

Stir these aromatic ingredients around the pan for about 30 seconds.

The kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible at this point.

Step 5: Create The Sauce Magic

• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the flavors to mingle and marry.

Stir occasionally and watch the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 6: Creamy Transformation

Splash in the heavy cream, turning the sauce into a luxurious, velvety delight.

Warm everything through and season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 7: Final Delicious Fusion

Reunite the pasta shells with the creamy beef sauce.

Toss everything together until each shell is beautifully coated.

Serve immediately while it’s steaming hot and irresistibly creamy.

Best Tips for Creamy Beef & Pasta

• Cook shells just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect bite in your dish.
• Remove excess beef fat after browning to keep the sauce lean and prevent greasy results.
• Toast chili powder and garlic briefly to unlock their complex, rich aromatics before adding liquid ingredients.
• Simmer sauce gently to reduce and thicken without burning, creating a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to shells.
• Warm heavy cream slowly to prevent separation and ensure a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every pasta shell evenly.

Store & Reheat Creamy Beef the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm leftovers in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or cream to prevent sticking. Stir gently and consistently until heated evenly, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Pairing Ideas for Creamy Beef Pasta

• Enhance Flavor Pairings: Pair this creamy beef and shells dish with a crisp, cold Italian pilsner that cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
• Wine Companion Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which complements the beef's robust flavor and balances the creamy sauce's richness.
• Side Salad Boost: Toss a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a zesty, peppery contrast that lightens the dish's heavy texture and provides a fresh counterpoint.
• Garlic Bread Upgrade: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary garlic notes that elevate the entire meal's experience.

Ways to Switch Up Creamy Beef & Shells

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lactose-free version. Use plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat for a vegan-friendly option.
• Spicy Southwest Swap: Add diced green chilies, swap chili powder for cayenne, and mix in some pepper jack cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta shells with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter protein option. Reduce sauce quantity to maintain consistency.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, use ground lamb instead of beef, and add dried oregano and fresh mint. Finish with a sprinkle of pine nuts for added texture and Mediterranean flair.

Easy Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Beef and Shells delivers comfort in every cheesy, creamy bite, blending tender pasta shells with rich ground beef. Savory seasonings and melted cheese create a quick family favorite that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Pasta and Sauce:

• 8 ounces medium uncooked pasta shells
• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1/3 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, generously salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta shells until tender yet firm, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain completely and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce chopped onions and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized, roughly 4-5 minutes.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, breaking meat into small crumbles. Cook for 5-6 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add minced garlic and chili powder, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Allow aromatics to release their fragrant essence for 30-45 seconds.
5. Pour tomato sauce and beef broth into the skillet. Reduce heat and allow mixture to simmer, creating a rich, concentrated sauce. Stir periodically and let reduce for 4-5 minutes.
6. Gently fold heavy cream into the sauce, creating a luxurious texture. Warm through for 1-2 minutes and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
7. Combine pasta shells with the creamy beef sauce, ensuring each shell is generously coated. Serve immediately while the dish maintains its velvety consistency and warmth.

Notes

• Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery sauce, shaking the colander gently to remove excess moisture.
• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and deeper flavor development.
• Use full-fat cream for maximum richness, but low-fat alternatives work for lighter versions.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil as a final garnish for brightness and extra flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg