Try This Comforting Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe Tonight

Creamy beef and shells reinvent ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences that spark joy around the family table.

Hearty comfort food connects generations through rich, satisfying flavors and nostalgic memories.

shells provide perfect pockets for capturing savory meat sauce, ensuring every bite bursts with deliciousness.

Tender ground beef mingles seamlessly with velvety cheese sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

The dish represents more than just sustenance; it’s a warm embrace of home-cooked goodness that feels both familiar and exciting.

Pasta lovers and meat enthusiasts will appreciate the delicate balance of ingredients that elevate this classic combination.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe promises to become a reliable favorite for busy households craving delectable meals.

Creamy Beef and Shells Ingredients

• Pasta Shells: Classic curved pasta perfect for holding creamy sauce and catching small bits of beef.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the dish, lean ground beef works best.

• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy components that create luxurious texture and tangy depth, choose full-fat versions for best results.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that add depth and complexity to the beef sauce.
• Italian Seasoning, Dried Parsley, Oregano, Paprika: Herb and spice blend that enhances overall taste profile, dried herbs work perfectly.

• Beef Stock: Rich liquid base that adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Pre-seasoned tomato sauce that contributes additional flavor complexity.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create smooth, velvety sauce consistency.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing beef and vegetables, extra virgin provides best flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance overall dish flavor.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Cook pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it with a wooden spoon, about 3-5 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

Whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Build Sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Dried parsley
• Oregano
• Paprika

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add cooked pasta and reserved beef to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 7: Add Creamy Elements

Stir in heavy cream and heat through, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fold in sour cream until well incorporated.

Step 8: Finish with Cheese

Add cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Serve immediately. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added freshness.

Creamy Beef and Shells Cooking Tips

• Meat Browning Mastery: Ensure ground beef is deeply browned for maximum flavor depth and caramelization before adding other ingredients.
• Flour Whisking Technique: Whisk flour carefully to create a smooth roux without burning, which prevents lumpy sauce texture.
• Cream Control: Add heavy cream and sour cream slowly and at lower temperatures to prevent curdling and maintain silky consistency.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Fold cheddar cheese gradually and off direct heat to achieve perfect, creamy melting without separating.
• Seasoning Balance: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end to enhance overall dish flavor profile without over-salting.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Beef and Shells

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover creamy beef and shells to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, these delicious pasta shells will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Freezer Method: Carefully pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen pasta will maintain excellent quality for up to 2 months when sealed tightly.
• Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef stock or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking, heating until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the creamy texture and prevent sauce separation.

Creamy Beef and Shells Pairing Ideas

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, creamy beef dish with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that can stand up to the hearty flavors and cut through the creaminess.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the heavy pasta by serving alongside a light, tangy salad with fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to provide refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Add a crunchy, garlicky side that soaks up the delicious sauce and provides a perfect textural companion to the creamy beef and shells.
• Cool Down with Chilled Cucumber Slaw: Create a refreshing side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, a touch of dill, and light vinegar dressing to help cleanse the palate between rich bites.

Creamy Beef and Shells Flavor Variations

• Spicy Southwest Shells: Replace marinara with salsa, add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Beef Shells: Incorporate crumbled feta, use sun-dried tomato marinara, add dried basil, and garnish with chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair.
• Creamy Mushroom Beef Shells: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions, use beef broth with a splash of red wine, and stir in cream of mushroom soup for extra richness.
• Smoky Bacon Beef Shells: Crisp chopped bacon before cooking beef, use smoked paprika instead of regular, and top with crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory version.

Why Creamy Beef and Shells Is Always a Win

• Speedy Comfort Meal: Whip up this creamy beef and shells recipe in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying, hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Flavor-Packed Texture Explosion: Experience a delightful combination of tender pasta shells, perfectly browned beef, and a rich, velvety sauce that creates a luxurious mouthfeel with every single bite.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra herbs, or throwing in some vegetables to make it your own unique dinner masterpiece that keeps everyone excited about mealtime.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Beef and Shells delivers comfort on a plate, blending tender pasta with rich, seasoned ground beef in a velvety sauce. Hearty home-style cooking comes together quickly, offering pure satisfaction with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells
• 1 ½ cups (170 grams) cheddar cheese, freshly grated

Aromatics and Spices:

• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) beef stock
• 1 (15 ounces or 425 grams) can marinara sauce
• ¾ cup (177 milliliters) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (59 milliliters) sour cream

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta shells in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat and introduce ground beef, breaking it into crumbly fragments while cooking for 4 minutes until perfectly browned.
3. Remove excess fat from the beef, leaving behind a flavorful base in the skillet.
4. Sauté diced onions in the same skillet for 2 minutes, creating a fragrant foundation for the dish.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, releasing its aromatic essence.
6. Sprinkle flour into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a light golden roux that will help thicken the sauce.
7. Slowly incorporate beef stock, whisking to prevent lumps and create a smooth liquid base.
8. Introduce marinara sauce and blend in Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and paprika to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
9. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 7 minutes, letting the sauce reduce and intensify.
10. Reintroduce the cooked pasta shells and previously prepared beef into the skillet, ensuring even distribution.
11. Pour in heavy cream and stir, heating the mixture for 2 minutes to create a luxurious, creamy texture.
12. Fold in sour cream, providing an additional layer of tangy richness.
13. Gradually sprinkle and melt cheddar cheese, stirring until fully incorporated and smooth.
14. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
15. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

Notes

• Perfectly balanced comfort food that combines tender pasta shells with rich, creamy beef sauce.
• Drain excess fat after browning beef to keep the dish lighter and prevent greasiness.
• Quick weeknight meal ready in under 30 minutes with minimal chopping and simple ingredients.
• Layer flavors by using Italian seasonings and marinara sauce for depth and complexity.
• Sour cream and heavy cream create an ultra-luxurious, silky texture that coats every shell.
• Melt cheese slowly to ensure smooth incorporation and prevent clumping or separation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 625 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg