This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a quick and easy pasta dish made with ground beef, a rich tomato-based cream sauce, and tender shell pasta. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights!
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Creamy Beef and Shells – A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal!
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious meal, Creamy Beef and Shells is the perfect recipe for you! This dish is packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a hearty, comforting, and family-friendly dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile and budget-friendly it is. With simple pantry ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like something from a restaurant. The combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, cream, and cheese creates a velvety sauce that coats every shell perfectly. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies if you want to make it even more wholesome!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only is Creamy Beef and Shells delicious, but it’s also a one-pan meal that requires minimal cleanup. You can customize it with different cheeses, spices, or even swap out the beef for turkey or sausage to switch things up. And if you’re making a big batch, leftovers reheat beautifully for a tasty lunch the next day!
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
So, if you’re in the mood for a cozy, satisfying, and ultra-creamy pasta dish, this recipe is a must-try! Give it a go, and watch it become a new family favorite. 😍🍝
Storage Options:
✔ Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.
✔ Freezer: This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
✔ Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Just cook the pasta fresh and combine before serving!
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Equipment
- ✔ Large skillet or saucepan
- ✔ Medium pot (for boiling pasta)
- ✔ Wooden spoon
- ✔ Strainer
- ✔ Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- For the Pasta & Meat:
- ✔ 8 oz medium pasta shells
- ✔ 1 lb ground beef
- ✔ 1 small onion diced
- ✔ 2 cloves garlic minced
- For the Sauce:
- ✔ 1 ½ cups beef broth
- ✔ 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- ✔ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ✔ ½ tsp paprika
- ✔ ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ✔ ¼ tsp black pepper
- ✔ 1 cup heavy cream
- ✔ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2️⃣ Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- 3️⃣ Sauté the Onion & Garlic: Add the diced onion and cook until soft (about 2 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- 4️⃣ Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and let simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- 5️⃣ Add Cream & Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm up for about 2 minutes, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- 6️⃣ Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir until fully coated in the creamy beef sauce. Let simmer for another 2 minutes.
- 7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired. Serve warm!
Notes
✔ Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
✔ Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
✔ Cheese Options: Try using Parmesan, mozzarella, or gouda for a different cheesy flavor!
