Quick Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe That’s Pure Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering beef and shells recipe that promises to satisfy every craving.

Tender ground beef mingles with perfectly cooked pasta shells, creating a creamy and indulgent dish.

Rich, velvety cheese sauce blankets each shell, adding depth and flavor to every single bite.

The combination of seasoned meat and smooth sauce makes this meal a true crowd-pleaser.

Home cooks love how simple it is to prepare this hearty meal in under 30 minutes.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this irresistible pasta recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creamy Beef And Shells Prep Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook the pasta shells in a pot of salted water according to the package directions.

Once they’re perfectly tender, drain them in a colander and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking them until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Introduce the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.

Continue cooking until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.

Carefully drain off any excess fat from the pan.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

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

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce slightly thicken.

Step 5: Melt Cheese

Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the bottom of the skillet.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each shell is generously covered with the rich sauce.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Season the dish with salt and pepper to your liking.

For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top if you want.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Dish out the hot, creamy beef and shells immediately.

This comforting meal is best enjoyed right away while the cheese is still melty and the pasta is warm.

Tips For Creamy Beef And Shells Results

• Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and texture without excessive grease.
• Cook shells just until al dente to maintain a firm texture and prevent mushy results when mixed with the sauce.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding more beef broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin for perfect creamy coating.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, velvety sauce consistency.
• Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra flavor dimension that elevates the entire dish.

Ideas For Creamy Beef And Shells Variations

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Shell Swap: Replace pasta shells with roasted cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy beef flavor.
• Spicy Mexican Beef Variation: Add diced jalapeños, swap marinara for salsa, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style dish with extra heat.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a lactose-free alternative that still delivers rich, creamy texture.
• Ground Turkey Lighter Version: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey to reduce fat content while keeping the same comforting one-pan meal structure and creamy sauce consistency.

Serving Creamy Beef And Shells For Comfort

• Comfort Companions: Pair this creamy beef and shells with a crisp garden salad for freshness and balance.
• Bread Buddy: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.
• Green Accent: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and herbal brightness.
• Family Style: Place the skillet directly on the table for a casual, rustic dining experience that invites everyone to dig in together.

Storing Creamy Beef And Shells Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Transfer leftovers to a skillet, add a little broth or cream, warm over medium-low heat while stirring gently to prevent pasta from sticking and maintain sauce consistency.
• Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can substitute shells with other short pasta like elbow macaroni or penne. Just ensure the pasta size is similar to maintain the recipe’s texture and sauce coverage.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce, tender beef, and mild cheese make this dish appealing to children. Most kids love pasta with meat and cheese, making it a perfect family meal.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and mix with freshly cooked pasta to maintain the best texture and prevent soggy noodles.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe Highlights

• Quick Family Feast: Whip up a satisfying meal that brings everyone together with minimal cooking skills required.
• Comfort Food Champion: Indulge in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that delivers rich flavors and warm, nostalgic vibes in every bite.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that combines all ingredients in a single pan for hassle-free cooking.
• Versatile Weeknight Star: Adapt this crowd-pleasing recipe for busy schedules, perfect for impromptu dinners or meal prep that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.

What Goes In Creamy Beef And Shells

• Pasta Shells: Small, curved pasta perfect for holding onto the creamy beef sauce.
• Ground Beef: Flavorful protein that provides the hearty base of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce for the pasta.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds a classic tomato flavor to the beef mixture.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory foundation for the dish's flavor profile.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a sharp and creamy texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the creamy beef and shells.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Beef Broth: Adds extra depth and moisture to the sauce.

Easy Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this creamy beef and shells pasta, blending rich ground beef with tender pasta shells in a luscious sauce. Cheesy, hearty, and irresistibly smooth, you’ll savor each delectable bite of this classic family-favorite dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean)
• 1 cup beef broth

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) small pasta shells
• 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Red pepper flakes
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta shells in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes.
4. Eliminate excess grease by carefully draining fat from the meat.
5. Pour marinara sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
6. Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts smoothly and sauce becomes velvety.
7. Gently fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy sauce, ensuring each shell is evenly coated.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for added color and herbaceous notes.
10. Serve immediately while hot, delivering a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta al dente by checking texture 1-2 minutes before package instructions to prevent mushy shells.
• Drain excess beef fat thoroughly to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, lighter sauce texture.
• Try cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
• Reduce carbohydrates by substituting pasta shells with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that maintains creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg