Beef and Shells Recipe Creamiest Dinner Magic

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this creamy beef and shells masterpiece that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Nothing beats the combination of tender ground beef and perfectly cooked pasta shells swimming in a luscious sauce.

The secret lies in the rich, velvety blend that coats each shell with pure deliciousness.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together on busy weeknights.

Rich and satisfying, these shells pack a flavor punch that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

We promise this recipe will become your new go-to meal that everyone at the table will request again and again.

Dive in and let the magic of this creamy comfort classic surprise you.

What You’ll Need for This Weeknight Pasta

• Pasta Shells: Classic shape that catches and holds the creamy sauce perfectly, ideal for hearty meat dishes.

• Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic: Flavorful base that provides rich, savory depth to the dish. Choose ground beef with moderate fat content for better taste.

• Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Creates a robust sauce base with deep meaty undertones. Homemade or high-quality store-bought options recommended.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Warm, aromatic spices that enhance overall flavor profile. Fresh ground spices preferred for maximum taste.

• Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides luxurious, silky texture and rich, tangy cheese flavor. Choose full-fat versions for best results. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking. Extra virgin olive oil adds subtle fruity notes.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finish and visual appeal to the final dish.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells at Home

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Add water to a large pot, sprinkle salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Drop in pasta shells and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until beef develops a rich golden color and releases its savory juices.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Stir and cook until onions become translucent and garlic releases its fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the mixture simmer and allow flavors to dance and meld together.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Sauce

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef mixture. Ensure every shell is generously coated. Let everything warm through and get acquainted.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Dish out steaming hot. Optional garnishes include extra Parmesan or fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Smart Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Sauce Perfection

• Boost Pasta Texture: Cook shells just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect bite.
• Drain Excess Grease: Remove fat from ground beef to keep the dish lighter and prevent a greasy sauce.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously for a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping.
• Customize Flavor Layers: Experiment with different cheese blends or swap Italian seasoning for your favorite herb mix.
• Quick Meal Prep: Make this dish ahead and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore sauce consistency.

Best Way to Reheat This Beefy Pasta Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Pairing Ideas for Beef and Shells

• Bold Syrah or Shiraz complements the hearty beef and creamy cheese sauce, cutting through richness with its robust tannins and dark fruit notes.
• Crisp mixed greens dressed in light vinaigrette provide refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta, balancing the dish's intense flavors.
• Toasted garlic bread adds textural excitement, its crispy exterior and buttery garlic notes harmonizing perfectly with the creamy beef shells.
• Medium-bodied Cabernet offers structured acidity and berry undertones that beautifully enhance the meaty, cheesy pasta experience.

Swaps and Twists for This Classic Combo

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Replace regular pasta shells with gluten-free shells or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same creamy beef sauce and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a lactose-free version that still provides rich, creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Swap pasta shells with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the delicious beef and cheese sauce intact.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu, adjusting seasonings to maintain the robust flavor of the original recipe.

Creamy Beef and Shells That Feel Like a Hug

• Delivers rich, cheesy flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan cooking method that combines pasta, beef, and sauce effortlessly.
• Easy to modify with extra spices, different cheese blends, or added vegetables to suit personal taste preferences.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy beef and shells masterpiece, blending hearty ground beef with pasta’s perfect curves. Cheese-laden shells and rich sauce create an irresistible dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (225 g) medium pasta shells
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, submerging pasta shells until they reach perfect al dente consistency. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing ground beef and methodically fragmenting meat while cooking until rich golden brown hues develop.
3. Eliminate excess fatty residue from the skillet, then introduce finely chopped onions, sautéing until translucent and aromatic. Quickly integrate minced garlic, allowing its essence to permeate.
4. Pour tomato sauce, beef broth, and aromatic seasonings into the meat mixture. Allow ingredients to harmonize through gentle simmering, creating a robust flavor profile.
5. Transition heat to low, gently incorporating heavy cream. Gradually fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until a luxuriously smooth sauce emerges.
6. Delicately introduce reserved pasta shells, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly enrobed in the velvety sauce. Maintain gentle heat for several minutes to guarantee complete temperature integration.
7. Perform final seasoning adjustments, balancing salt and pepper to personal preference. Plate immediately, optionally embellishing with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Choose high-quality ground beef with slightly higher fat content for richer flavor and more tender texture.
• Drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent an overly greasy dish and maintain a balanced sauce consistency.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties for smoother melting and more intense cheese flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and use lean ground beef or ground turkey.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 636
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 885 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 116 mg