The Creamiest Beef and Shells Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Mixing tender ground beef with perfectly cooked shells creates a delightful comfort food experience.

Pasta lovers adore this hearty dish that combines rich, velvety sauce with savory meat.

Cheese melts seamlessly into each shell, creating pockets of pure deliciousness.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners become special when you serve this crowd-pleasing pasta.

Families will ask for seconds of this creamy, satisfying recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

One bite guarantees you’ll want to make this again and again.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe with the same cooking method.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy cheese sauce and pasta shells are typically loved by children, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for families.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese provides the best flavor, but you can also use monterey jack or a blend of cheeses for variety.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or use spicy marinara sauce to increase the heat level to your preference.

Creamy Beef And Shells Dish Overview

• Dive into Cheesy Comfort: A hearty pasta dish packed with five rich, melted cheeses that promise pure indulgence for cheese lovers.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Quick assembly and straightforward ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Feast: Versatile enough to satisfy both kids and adults, this ziti creates a warm, inviting centerpiece for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding protein, swapping cheeses, or adjusting seasoning to match individual taste preferences.

Ingredients For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Pasta Shells: Large, curved pasta that catches and holds the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that helps thicken and intensify the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Liquid that enhances the meaty flavor and provides additional moisture.

• Heavy Cream: Rich ingredient that creates a smooth, velvety texture in the sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy richness.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and add subtle flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor foundation for the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that provides traditional Mediterranean taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh finishing touch to the dish.

Cooking Instructions For Creamy Beef And Shells

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook pasta shells in generously salted boiling water until they reach al dente perfection. Drain the shells completely and set them aside, ready for their flavor transformation.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart while cooking, ensuring a rich golden-brown color develops across the meat.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Introduce chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant notes.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

• Italian seasoning
• Tomato paste
• Marinara sauce
• Beef broth

Stir everything together and allow the mixture to simmer, watching the sauce gradually thicken and intensify in flavor.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Gently pour in heavy cream and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxuriously smooth and rich sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add the reserved pasta shells into the skillet.

Toss thoroughly to ensure each shell is generously coated with the creamy beef sauce.

Step 7: Season And Finish

Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Helpful Notes For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Drain pasta shells completely to prevent watery sauce and ensure perfect texture.
• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for less grease and healthier dish.
• Grate fresh cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother, more authentic melting.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version.
• Allow sauce to simmer gently to develop rich flavors and prevent scorching bottom of skillet.

Flavorful Twists For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Spicy Southwest Shells: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and add diced green chilies. Mix in pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Veggie Shells: Swap ground beef for chickpeas and spinach. Use feta cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean profile.
• Alfredo Protein Shells: Substitute marinara with classic alfredo sauce. Include grilled chicken instead of beef and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
• Mushroom Stroganoff Shells: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and add sour cream to the sauce. Include fresh thyme and use Swiss cheese for a rich, earthy version.

Best Pairings For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Pair this creamy beef and shells with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar on top for added cheese richness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
• Serve in large ceramic bowls with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots for extra nutrition.
• Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy weekday lunches that reheat beautifully.
• Top with fresh chopped green onions or chives right before serving to add a bright, fresh element.

Storage Guidelines For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled beef and shells to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in a skillet or microwave, stirring periodically to distribute heat evenly and maintain the creamy texture.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Classic comfort creamy beef and shells pasta blends hearty ground beef with tender pasta shells in a rich sauce. Melted cheese and savory seasonings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 oz (226 g) medium pasta shells
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta shells in generously salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef, crumbling and browning thoroughly for 5-6 minutes.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the meat mixture, then blend in tomato paste. Pour marinara sauce and beef broth, creating a rich, robust sauce.
5. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces and thickens slightly, roughly 6-7 minutes.
6. Lower temperature and gently fold in heavy cream, creating a velvety base. Gradually introduce shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.
7. Delicately fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy meat sauce, ensuring each shell is evenly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while piping hot. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

• Use high-quality ground beef with at least 80% lean meat for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Consider draining excess fat after browning the beef to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to decrease calorie content.
• Try different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or provolone for unique flavor profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 690 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg