Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Culinary magic happens when this creamy beef and shells recipe lands on your dinner table.

Comfort meets excitement in a single skillet of cheesy goodness.

Pasta lovers will instantly fall in love with the rich, velvety texture.

Ground beef creates a hearty base that feels like a warm hug.

Melted cheese weaves through tender pasta shells, creating irresistible bites.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with minimal effort.

You can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish faster than ordering takeout.

Prepare to savor every single comforting, flavor-packed forkful.

Top Reason To Love Creamy Beef And Shells

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious one-pan meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Combines kid-approved pasta shells with creamy cheese sauce and hearty ground beef, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both children and adults.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Uses a single skillet for the entire recipe, reducing dish washing and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze for home cooks looking to save time and effort.
• Customizable Flavor Twist: Easily adaptable by switching cheeses, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spices to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Creamy Beef Shells Essential Items

• Medium Pasta Shells: Classic curved pasta shape perfect for holding creamy sauce.
• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that provides hearty flavor and main substance of dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Fundamental flavor builders that add depth and aromatic base to the recipe.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that contributes tangy, traditional Italian profile.
• Beef Broth: Adds extra meaty richness and helps create smooth sauce consistency.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and rounds out sauce's flavor profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides creamy, tangy finish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and enhancing overall dish taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds fresh garnish and light herbal note.

Cooking Creamy Beef And Shells Easily

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.

Drop the pasta shells into the water and cook them exactly as the package recommends.

Once they’re perfectly tender, drain the shells in a colander and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

Sizzle the meat until it turns a deep brown color.

Carefully tilt the skillet and spoon out any excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef-filled skillet.

Stir and cook these ingredients until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet, fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream.

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let the liquids meld and start to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Cheese

Introduce the cooked pasta shells into the skillet.

Sprinkle in the cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese completely melts and blends into a luxuriously smooth sauce.

Step 6: Season And Serve

Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed.

For a fresh finish, scatter some chopped parsley over the top.

Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, straight from the skillet.

Creamy Beef Shells – Sauce Tips That Work

• Select ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Slightly undercook shells before mixing into the sauce to maintain perfect texture.
• Remove skillet from heat when adding cheese to prevent separating and achieve smooth consistency.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore creamy texture.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different protein options.

Creamy Beef and Shells Leftovers: Store and Reheat Guide

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled beef and shells to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently for even heating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.

Creamy Beef & Shells Sides

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Zinfandel to complement the rich beef and creamy sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the meal's robust flavors.
• Robust Beer Companion: Select a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA that provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy, hearty pasta dish, balancing the meal's intense taste profile.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a tangy, peppery element that cleanses the palate between bites of the creamy beef shells.
• Herb-Infused Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh basil or additional chopped parsley over the dish to add brightness and a subtle herbal note that lifts the overall flavor complexity.

Creamy Beef Shells with Sauce Swaps

• Dairy-Free Deconstructed: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for creaminess.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap pasta shells with gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Lean Protein Remix: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
• Veggie-Packed Version: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to increase vegetable content and nutritional value.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute shells with other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni. The key is using pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Children typically love this dish because of its cheesy, creamy texture and mild flavor. The ground beef and pasta combination makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat and add freshly cooked pasta to maintain the best texture and prevent soggy noodles.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Consider using lean ground beef, reducing the amount of cheese, or adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value without compromising flavor.

Lush Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting creamy beef and shells pasta delivers a hearty Italian-American classic with rich, cheesy goodness. Melted cheese, ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta shells combine into a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells

Sauce and Dairy:

• 1.5 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup beef broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame and crumble ground beef, cooking until deeply browned and no pink remains.
3. Eliminate excess grease from the pan, then introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
4. Pour marinara sauce, rich beef broth, and velvety heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious base that gently simmers.
5. Fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy mixture, ensuring each shell is lavishly coated with the sauce.
6. Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese throughout the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce transforms into a thick, glossy coating.
7. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
8. Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous note.
9. Serve immediately while the creamy beef and shells are piping hot and at their most appetizing.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
• Reserve some pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
• For a low-carb version, swap pasta shells with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg