Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Creamy beef and shells is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pot meal features tender pasta shells coated in a rich, cheesy, and flavorful beef sauce. With a combination of ground beef, Italian spices, and a creamy tomato-based sauce, this dish is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying.

What Is Creamy Beef and Shells?

Creamy beef and shells is a pasta dish made with ground beef, medium pasta shells, and a creamy tomato-cheese sauce. It’s a cross between a classic beef pasta and a rich, cheesy mac and cheese. The blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic gives it a delicious depth of flavor, while the heavy cream and cheddar cheese add a velvety finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
• One-pan meal – Less cleanup and minimal effort required.
• Kid-friendly – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor that everyone will love.
• Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) medium pasta shells
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
• Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
• Drain any excess grease.

3. Add Seasonings and Sauce

• Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth.
• Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

4. Make It Creamy

• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Combine and Serve

• Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
• Pair with a glass of red wine for an elegant touch.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing Instructions

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, stirring frequently.

Recipe Variations

• Make it spicier – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Swap the protein – Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
• Use different cheeses – Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for extra cheesiness.
• Go gluten-free – Substitute with gluten-free pasta.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be thinner. For a richer texture, use a mix of milk and a little extra cheese.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even Parmesan work well in this dish.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Make sure to lower the heat before adding the cheese and stir continuously for a smooth sauce.

Creamy beef and shells is the ultimate comfort food—easy to prepare, incredibly creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!

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