Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

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

Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this creamy beef and shells pasta, blending rich ground beef with tender pasta shells in a luscious sauce. Cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor, you’ll savor every satisfying bite of this irresistible one-pot wonder.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80-85% lean)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper

Sauce and Cheese Components:

  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) medium pasta shells

Cooking Liquid:

  • Water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta shells in salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté ground beef and diced onions until meat browns and onions become translucent, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 45-60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors throughout the pan.
  4. Pour beef broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings into the skillet, creating a rich, savory base. Allow mixture to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
  5. Incorporate heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, whisking continuously until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency with no visible cheese lumps.
  6. Gently fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy sauce, ensuring each shell is generously coated and heated through for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant, herbaceous finish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
  • Use gluten-free pasta shells to make this dish completely gluten-free without compromising the rich, creamy texture.
  • For extra nutrition, sneak in finely chopped spinach or zucchini during the beef cooking stage – they’ll blend seamlessly into the sauce.
  • Control sodium levels by choosing low-sodium beef broth and reducing added salt, making this dish more heart-friendly and diet-adaptable.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 521 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg