Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

My latest culinary adventure featuring creamy beef and shells has me swooning over comfort food magic.

Tender pasta shells cradle a rich, hearty meat sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers incredible flavor without complicated techniques.

Home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing meal will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious coating that makes every bite irresistible.

Busy families can count on this recipe to solve dinner dilemmas with minimal effort.

Dive into this delectable combination and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Creamy Beef and Shells That Bring Weeknight Comfort

• Quick Weeknight Rescue: Whip up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, creamy sauce combined with tender beef and pasta shells, making it an instant hit at the dinner table.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Uses pantry staples and simple ingredients, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal culinary skills.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Reduces kitchen cleanup by preparing everything in a single pan, saving time on both cooking and washing dishes after the meal.

Rich and Creamy Parts of Beef & Shells

• Pasta Shells: Comfort pasta that holds the creamy sauce perfectly, whole wheat shells work well for extra nutrition.

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base for hearty dish, lean beef recommended for less grease.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor foundations that add depth and complexity to the meat sauce.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Heavy Cream, Beef Broth: Luxurious sauce builders that create a silky, rich texture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheese combination that adds sharpness and richness to the sauce.

• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Salt, Pepper: Classic Italian-inspired seasoning blend that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Light, fresh herb topping that adds color and bright flavor.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat for sautéing vegetables and meat.

Beef & Shells Creamy Pasta Guide

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

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

Once tender, drain the shells and set them aside, ready for the next delicious phase of the recipe.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Cook for about 2 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat is completely browned and no longer pink, typically taking 5-7 minutes.

Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream

Simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a rich, comforting consistency.

Step 5: Enhance with Cheese and Seasonings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth and velvety sauce that coats every ingredient.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Beef

Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef mixture.

Stir carefully to ensure each shell is generously covered with the sauce.

Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to marry all the flavors together.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the creamy beef and shells to serving plates.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting meal!

Pasta Tips for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Cook shells al dente to prevent mushy results, ensuring they maintain a slight bite and hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
• After browning beef, remove excess grease completely to prevent an overly oily dish and enhance the sauce's rich flavor profile.
• Reduce heat when adding cheese and stir continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce without clumping or separating.
• Experiment with additional herbs like fresh thyme or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to elevate the overall taste complexity.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of broth to restore the sauce's creamy consistency.

Beef and Shells Storage Plan

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm individual portions in microwave-safe dishes, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to prevent drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little extra cream or broth to maintain sauce's creamy consistency.
• Freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating, ensuring best texture and flavor preservation.

Creamy Sides for Beef and Shells

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, creamy beef flavors and cuts through the dish's hearty texture.
• Crisp Side Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy, heavy main course and add fresh contrast.
• Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Prepare roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots with olive oil and herbs to provide a complementary vegetable side that enhances the meal's overall taste profile.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy amber ale or a malty brown ale that stands up to the beef's richness and matches the comfort food's warm, satisfying qualities.

Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta Options

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta shells with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains the creamy beef flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar and Parmesan for those with lactose intolerance.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable broth to create a meat-free version of this comforting dish.

FAQs

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy texture, mild seasonings, and cheesy flavor make this recipe a hit with children. Kids typically love pasta dishes with beef and cheese.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute shells with other short pasta like rotini, elbow macaroni, or penne. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.

• What makes the sauce so creamy?

The combination of cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, and melted cheeses creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. The blend of cheddar and Parmesan adds depth and smoothness.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value.

Velvety Beef and Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets classic in this creamy beef and shells pasta masterpiece, where tender pasta shells cradle rich, seasoned ground beef in a velvety sauce. Hearty flavors meld perfectly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (12 oz) pasta shells

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids and Sauces:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta foundation by boiling salted water and cooking shell-shaped noodles until tender. Drain completely and reserve to the side.
2. Initiate the protein preparation in a spacious skillet, warming olive oil over moderate heat. Introduce finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, sautéing until translucent and aromatic.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, methodically fragmenting the meat with a wooden utensil. Cook thoroughly until achieving a rich, caramelized brown color and eliminating raw meat appearance.
4. Transform the mixture into a luxurious sauce by gently blending cream of mushroom soup, savory beef broth, and velvety heavy cream. Allow the liquid to simmer, reducing slightly and developing deeper flavor complexity.
5. Elevate the sauce’s richness by gradually melting sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan cheeses. Integrate dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to create a harmonious seasoning profile.
6. Reunite the cooked pasta shells with the robust beef mixture, tenderly folding to ensure each pasta pocket becomes lavishly coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Finalize the dish by warming the combined ingredients briefly, ensuring optimal temperature and sauce consistency. Optional garnish with fresh parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous touch before serving.

Notes

• Choose shell pasta with ridges to help the creamy sauce cling better, creating more flavorful bites in every spoonful.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and ensure the sauce stays rich and smooth.
• Consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version of this comfort food classic.
• Customize the dish by adding frozen mixed vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg