Speedy & Savory Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering beef and shells recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender pasta shells nestle perfectly with rich, seasoned ground beef in a velvety sauce that melts in your mouth.

Every forkful delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with delightful intensity.

The creamy beef and shells delight combines hearty ingredients into a simple yet sophisticated meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with this stellar dish that takes minimal effort.

Cheese blends seamlessly with savory beef, creating a luxurious texture that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and treat yourself to a comforting masterpiece that speaks directly to your soul.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Beef and Shells Ingredient List

• Pasta Shells: Tender curved pasta perfect for capturing rich, creamy sauce and holding meat deliciously.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season pasta during cooking.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds robust flavor and satisfying texture to the dish.
• Olive Oil: High-quality fat for sautéing and adding subtle fruity undertones.
• Onion: Provides sweet base notes and aromatic foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic: Delivers deep, pungent flavor that complements beef beautifully.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that brings Mediterranean warmth and complexity.

• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent that creates smooth, velvety sauce consistency.
• Beef Stock: Intensifies meaty flavor and provides liquid base for sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds tangy depth and rich red color to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and rounds out flavor profile.
• Cheese: Melts into sauce, adding creamy richness and salty complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance overall taste.

Plating Ideas for Comfort Pasta Dishes

• Comfort Food Companions: Pair this creamy beef and shells dish with a crisp green salad topped with tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Dinner Party Sidekick: Serve alongside roasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
• Veggie Boost Brilliance: Complement the rich pasta with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus to add a nutritious green element and balance the creamy flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the meal with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot, which will beautifully match the robust beef and creamy sauce.

Reheating Instructions for Pasta Dishes

• Smart Portion Control: Divide the Creamy Beef and Shells Delight into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks. Perfect for meal preppers who want delicious, home-cooked meals without daily cooking hassles.
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken slightly when chilled, so gently reheat with a splash of beef stock to restore its original silky texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, leaving a small space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.
• Quick Reheat Technique: When reheating, use low to medium heat and stir frequently. Add a splash of cream or beef stock to revive the sauce's richness. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent the pasta from becoming rubbery and losing its delightful texture.

Must-Have Items to Cook Beef Pasta

• Large pot: For boiling and cooking pasta perfectly.
• Cast iron skillet: Ideal for browning beef and building rich flavors.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps crumble beef and stir ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for creating smooth sauce without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Sharp knife: For chopping onions and garlic with precision.
• Colander: Drains pasta quickly and efficiently.

How to Simmer and Mix Beef and Shells

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until perfectly tender, then drain completely.

• Beef Foundation

Heat skillet and sizzle ground beef until it transforms into golden-brown crumbles. Discard any extra grease for a cleaner taste.

• Aromatic Base

Toss chopped onions into the skillet, letting them turn translucent. Sprinkle garlic and herbs, creating a fragrant kitchen atmosphere.

• Sauce Magic

Dust flour into the pan, creating a light golden roux. Slowly pour beef stock and tomato sauce, allowing the mixture to bubble and thicken into a rich, velvety sauce.

• Creamy Finale

Fold pasta and beef into the sauce, introducing a splash of heavy cream. Gently melt cheese until the dish becomes a luxurious, comforting embrace of flavors. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the taste.

Options to Add Spice or Greens

• Pasta Pro Tips: Choose medium or large shell pasta for maximum sauce-holding potential, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
• Meat Mastery: For a leaner option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, maintaining the dish's rich, comforting essence.
• Cheese Charm: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses to elevate the creamy texture and taste.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the onion sautéing stage for a wholesome twist.
• Spice It Up: Kick the heat by incorporating red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a zesty kick in their comfort food.

Comforting Beef and Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory Creamy Beef and Shells Delight blends hearty ground beef with perfectly cooked pasta shells in a rich, cheesy sauce. Rich flavors from simple ingredients create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 oz (170 g) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz (226 g) medium pasta shells
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can tomato sauce
• ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ medium sweet onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ tsps Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse shells in heavily salted water, cooking until perfectly tender. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Meat Searing: Heat cast iron skillet on medium-high, introducing ground beef. Crumble and brown meat until golden, eliminating excess fat. Incorporate diced onions, cooking until translucent, then add minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
3. Sauce Development: Sprinkle flour over beef mixture, toasting briefly. Pour beef stock and tomato sauce, whisking smoothly to prevent clumping. Simmer until sauce thickens and reduces, creating a rich, velvety consistency.
4. Creamy Integration: Reunite pasta and meat with sauce, introducing heavy cream. Stir continuously to ensure even heat distribution and develop a luxurious texture.
5. Final Enhancement: Fold shredded cheese into the mixture until completely melted, creating a decadent coating. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook shells just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a delightful bite.
• Beef Browning Technique: Ensure high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan for achieving a golden-brown, crispy meat crust that locks in rich flavor.
• Sauce Smoothing Secrets: Whisk flour and liquids gradually to prevent lumpy sauce, creating a silky-smooth consistency that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Remove pan from heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a creamy, luxurious sauce that coats every shell.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg