There's nothing quite like a bowl of Creamy Beef and Shells to warm you up after a long day. This hearty dish features tender pasta shells coated in a luscious, cheesy sauce and paired with perfectly seasoned ground beef for a meal thatโs pure comfort in every bite.

I first came across this recipe when searching for a quick, family-friendly dinner that wouldnโt break the bank. It quickly became a staple in our home, loved by kids and adults alike. Ready to transform a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special? Letโs dive in!
Why Youโll Love This Creamy Beef and Shells
Get ready to fall head over heels for this deliciously satisfying recipe! Creamy Beef and Shells is everything you want in a comfort food โ quick, easy, and absolutely indulgent.
First, this recipe is a time-saver. In just 30 minutes, you can have a steaming bowl of creamy goodness on the table, perfect for those busy evenings when every minute counts.
Second, itโs budget-friendly. Using affordable, pantry-staple ingredients like ground beef, pasta shells, and a few basic seasonings, this meal stretches to feed the whole family without straining your wallet.
Third, itโs incredibly versatile. Whether you need to make it gluten-free, sneak in some veggies for picky eaters, or swap proteins, this recipe adapts beautifully to suit your needs.
Lastly, the flavors are out of this world. The rich, cheesy sauce clings to every pasta shell, while the perfectly seasoned beef adds a savory depth thatโll have everyone going back for seconds.
Ready to experience this creamy magic? Letโs start with the ingredients.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of Creamy Beef and Shells lies in its simplicity. With a few key ingredients, youโll create a meal that tastes like itโs been simmering all day. Hereโs what youโll need:
- Pasta Shells: Medium shells are ideal for this recipe because they hold the sauce beautifully. If you donโt have shells, try rotini or penne as substitutes.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for the perfect balance of flavor and minimal grease.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are the foundation of the dish, adding depth and a hint of sweetness.
- Tomato Sauce and Beef Broth: These combine to form the base of the sauce, adding both richness and tang.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the creamy magic happens. You can substitute half-and-half if desired, but the sauce will be slightly less decadent.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a must for its bold flavor. Feel free to mix in Parmesan for an extra savory kick.
Youโll also need a large skillet and a pot for boiling the pasta โ no fancy equipment required!
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
Creating this delightful dish is easier than you might think. Hereโs how to bring it all together:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ยฝ cup of pasta water for later.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sautรฉ until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and beef broth, letting the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Add the heavy cream and stir well to create a creamy base.
- Combine and Simmer: Toss the cooked pasta shells into the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Cheese it Up: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the pasta and stir until melted and gooey. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
In less than 30 minutes, youโll have a creamy, cheesy masterpiece ready to serve!
Storage Options
Got leftovers? This recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick reheat.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauceโs creaminess. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to customize it to your liking:
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta shells for a dish thatโs just as creamy and satisfying.
- Sneak in Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the skillet for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Switch the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a fun twist on the original.
- Add Spice: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Lighten It Up: Swap the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative like evaporated milk, or use reduced-fat cheese.
Experimenting with these variations is half the fun โ you never know when youโll discover your next favorite twist!
Now that youโve got all the tips, tricks, and variations for this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe, itโs time to grab your apron and get cooking. Trust me, your family will thank you!
PrintCreamy Beef And Shells Recipe
This creamy beef and shells recipe is a deliciously satisfying dish featuring tender pasta shells smothered in a savory, creamy beef sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-favorite meal is packed with flavor and ready in no time!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium pasta shells
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ยฝ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ยผ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Sautรฉ until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and mix in heavy cream. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
- Add cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Toss to coat with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey as a lighter alternative to beef.
- For extra veggies, add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
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