The Most Irresistible Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe Ever Made

Pasta lovers find ultimate comfort in this creamy beef and shells masterpiece that promises pure satisfaction.

Rich ground beef melds seamlessly with tender pasta shells in a luxurious sauce.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions like these.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of creamy texture and savory meat.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the melty goodness that blankets every shell.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for its irresistible appeal.

Why Everyone Loves Creamy Beef And Shells

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, creamy goodness and hearty ground beef, this dish delivers pure satisfaction for everyone at the table.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Streamlined preparation means you can transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal in mere minutes, perfect for busy families.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal tweaks like adding vegetables, changing cheese types, or adjusting seasonings to match individual tastes.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using just two cooking vessels and creating a one-pan wonder means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your delectable meal.

What’s In Creamy Beef And Shells

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the dish and provides rich, savory flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic vegetables add depth and aromatic complexity to the beef mixture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a warm, traditional flavor profile to the meat.

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

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and helps create a thick, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty topping that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.

Easy Guide For Creamy Beef And Shells

Step 1: Brown Beef and Create Flavor Base

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains, creating a rich and flavorful foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and release their fragrant aroma, blending seamlessly with the browned beef.

Step 3: Season the Meat Mixture

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with delicious flavor.

Step 4: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Bring a separate pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta shells and cook until they reach al dente texture, typically taking 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta completely, preparing it for the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and let the mixture simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes. This creates a luxurious sauce foundation.

Step 6: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Add cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese completely melts and integrates into the sauce, creating a smooth and rich texture.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef mixture. Ensure each shell is generously coated with the decadent sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish. Turn off the heat, allowing the residual warmth to melt the cheese completely and create a golden, gooey finish.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and the flavors to meld together. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting meal.

Quick Tips For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Choose Lean Beef: Opt for ground beef with 85% or 90% lean meat to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor.
• Season Strategically: Add spices gradually and taste as you go, allowing each layer of seasoning to build depth in the dish.
• Cook Pasta Perfectly: Test pasta doneness by tasting a shell – it should be tender but still have a slight bite for ideal texture.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Keep heat low when adding cream and cream cheese to ensure smooth, creamy consistency without curdling.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let residual skillet heat gently melt cheese for even distribution and prevent burning or clumping.

Swaps And Spins On Creamy Beef And Shells

• Spicy Beef Stuffed Shells: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap pasta shells with zucchini boats or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
• Turkey Lean Alternative: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a healthier protein option with similar cooking techniques.

Tasty Pairings For Creamy Beef And Shells

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot perfectly complements the rich, creamy beef sauce, cutting through the heaviness with its tannic structure.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread provides a crunchy texture that matches the creamy pasta shells, allowing guests to soak up extra sauce while enjoying additional flavor.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Quick-roasted broccoli or asparagus spears add nutritional value and a slightly charred, earthy element that elevates the overall meal experience.

How To Keep Creamy Beef And Shells Good

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta shells to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly and storing for up to 2 months; prevent freezer burn by using a vacuum-sealed bag.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs About Creamy Beef And Shells

• What ingredients make this dish creamy?

Heavy cream and cream cheese are the key ingredients that create the rich, smooth texture of the sauce, providing a luxurious and velvety consistency to the beef and pasta.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can be excellent substitutes for ground beef, offering a lighter protein option while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during the meat cooking stage, allowing you to customize the spice level to your preference.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, this recipe uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta shells, and common pantry spices, making it an economical meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets culinary excellence in this hearty Creamy Beef and Shells pasta dish, blending rich ground beef with perfectly cooked pasta shells. Warm, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, you’ll savor each comforting bite of this classic American dinner favorite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb medium pasta shells

Dairy:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then add to the browned beef, sautéing until the vegetables become fragrant and translucent.
3. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the meat mixture, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
4. In a separate pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta shells until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until completely melted and integrated into the sauce.
7. Fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring each shell is generously coated with the creamy beef sauce.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, turning off the heat and letting the residual warmth melt the cheese completely.
9. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld before serving hot.

Notes

• Choose leaner ground beef like 90/10 to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce consistency without sacrificing richness.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture, blending seamlessly with the creamy beef mixture.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace pasta shells with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg