Homemade Creamy Beef and Shells Delight Recipe / Family Favorite

Creamy beef and shells offer a comforting culinary embrace that sparks instant hunger.

Hearty pasta shapes perfectly capture rich, savory sauce in every delectable bite.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying meal that feels like a warm kitchen hug.

Robust ground beef mingles with silky cheese sauce, creating a luxurious texture that tantalizes taste buds.

Soft pasta shells become delightful little pockets holding maximum flavor in each spoonful.

Weeknight dinner solutions rarely taste this incredible while remaining so effortless to prepare.

Minimal ingredients combine to craft a seriously impressive dish you will absolutely love devouring.

Explore this irresistible recipe and watch magic happen on your dinner plate.

Creamy Beef and Shells That Warm the Soul

• This recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something deliciously comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
• The combination of heavy cream and melted cheese creates an incredibly smooth, rich sauce that coats every shell pasta perfectly, giving each bite a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel.
• Minimizing kitchen cleanup, this recipe uses a single cast iron skillet to build layers of flavor, from browning beef to creating a silky sauce, making cooking and washing up a breeze for home chefs.
• With classic ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, offering a crowd-pleasing meal that's sure to bring smiles around the dinner table.

Ingredients for Beef and Shells Pasta

• Medium Shells: Classic pasta shape perfect for catching creamy sauce, holds sauce beautifully in its curved shape.

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat base that provides robust flavor, best with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that add depth and complexity, sweet onions work best for natural sweetness.

• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds traditional Mediterranean flavor profile, enhances overall dish complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and enhancing other ingredient flavors.

• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent that helps create smooth sauce consistency.
• Beef Stock: Provides rich liquid base with deep meaty undertones.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds slight acidity and rich color to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel.

• Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy, tangy finish to the dish, sharp varieties recommended for more intense flavor.

Step-by-Step for This Classic Comfort Dish

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

• Large pot of water
• Salt
• Shell pasta

Bring water to a rolling boil, add salt, and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• Ground beef
• Olive oil

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble beef into the pan, cooking until it develops a rich, golden color and is completely cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Onion
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning

Add diced onions to the same skillet, cooking until they become translucent and soft. Toss in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring quickly to release their fragrant oils.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

• All-purpose flour
• Beef stock
• Tomato sauce
• Heavy cream

Sprinkle flour over the skillet, stirring to create a light roux. Slowly pour in beef stock and tomato sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer and thicken, reducing until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

• Cooked pasta
• Browned beef
• Shredded cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Fold in the cooked pasta and browned beef, mixing gently. Pour in heavy cream and stir until everything is heated through. Sprinkle in shredded cheese, stirring until it melts completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting one-skillet meal that combines tender pasta, savory beef, and a luxuriously creamy sauce.

Tips to Get Creamy Sauce and Tender Pasta

• Crumble Beef Precisely: Break ground beef into tiny, uniform pieces while cooking to ensure even browning and better sauce coating.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Whisk flour carefully and gradually add liquid to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese off direct heat and stir gently to prevent separation and achieve a creamy, silky consistency.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust salt and pepper after adding cream and cheese to balance flavors perfectly.
• Drain Pasta Completely: Shake colander thoroughly to remove excess water, preventing watery sauce and maintaining dish's rich texture.

Reheating and Storage Without Losing Creaminess

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef stock or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled beef and shells to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.

Sides That Make This Dish Even Better

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the rich beef and creamy sauce, cutting through the heaviness with its tannic structure and enhancing the dish's deep flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy pasta, balancing the meal's richness and adding a bright counterpoint.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread acts as the perfect side, soaking up the delicious sauce and offering a crunchy texture that elevates the overall dining experience.
• Accompany with Roasted Vegetables: Herb-roasted Brussels sprouts or zucchini add a nutritious and colorful element, bringing additional depth and nutritional balance to this comfort food classic.

Ways to Tweak the Flavor Combo

• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap tomato sauce for salsa. Mix in pepper jack cheese for extra kick and top with fresh cilantro.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace ground beef with lamb, incorporate feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano. Add roasted red peppers and use sun-dried tomato sauce for rich Mediterranean flavors.
• Veggie Power Protein: Substitute beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Use nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheese for a healthier version.
• Lighter Cream Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Add Greek yogurt for tanginess and reduce overall cheese quantity. Include fresh herbs like parsley or basil for brightness.

Answers to Common Beef and Shells Questions

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce gets too thick, simply add a little more beef stock or pasta water to thin it out. Stir gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While shells work great for catching the creamy sauce, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, rotini, or any medium-sized pasta that holds sauce well.

• What can I do to make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, reduce the amount of heavy cream, or substitute with half-and-half. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

• How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Store the dish in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef stock or cream to restore the creamy texture.

Creamy Beef And Shells Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Creamy Beef and Shells Delight wraps comfort and flavor into one irresistible pasta dish. Savory ground beef, tender shells, and rich cheese sauce combine for a quick weeknight meal that brings smiles to dinner tables everywhere.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 ounces (170 grams) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 1 ½ cups

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can tomato sauce
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ medium sweet onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in a generously salted pot of water, following package directions for perfect al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and set aside.
2. Warm olive oil in a robust cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until rich golden-brown and completely separated, approximately 4 minutes. Eliminate any excess grease.
3. Introduce diced onions to the skillet, sautéing until they transform into a translucent, glossy appearance. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring until aromatic and fragrant.
4. Dust flour across the beef mixture, allowing it to lightly toast and develop a nutty undertone. Gradually incorporate beef stock and tomato sauce, whisking consistently to prevent lumps.
5. Allow the sauce to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Simmer until the liquid reduces and thickens, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Reunite the cooked pasta and browned beef with the simmering sauce. Splash in heavy cream, stirring to distribute heat evenly and create a silky texture.
7. Finish by folding in shredded cheese until completely melted, creating a decadent, creamy coating. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

Notes

• Elevate your pasta game with this hearty one-skillet meal that combines tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked shells.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and ensure a rich, flavorful base for the dish without compromising texture.
• Create a silky sauce by gradually whisking beef stock and carefully controlling heat to prevent lumps and achieve smooth consistency.
• Grate fresh cheese just before adding to the skillet for maximum melting potential and optimal creamy texture.
• Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
• Customize by adding red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like parsley for a bright finishing touch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg