Last Thursday night when my teenager announced "there's nothing to eat," I whipped up this Creamy Beef And Shells that completely saved dinner! The rich, cheesy sauce coating tender pasta shells with perfectly seasoned ground beef had my whole family asking for seconds within minutes.
This comforting beef dinner transforms simple pantry ingredients into pure magic that tastes like you spent hours cooking. Get ready for your new favorite weeknight hero!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Beef And Shells
This creamy beef and shells has completely transformed our chaotic weeknight dinner routine and saved my sanity countless times! What makes this shell pasta with ground beef so incredible is how the creamy sauce gets trapped inside every pasta shell, creating perfect bites of comfort in every spoonful.
My sister tried making this beef pasta recipe for her dinner party last month and called me the next day raving about how guests were literally licking their plates clean! When I'm running late from soccer practice and need dinner fast, this recipe never fails me. The creamy cheese sauce coating every shell makes even my vegetable-hating husband clean his plate.
My mom always struggled with beef pasta recipes until I taught her this foolproof method. Now she makes it weekly for my dad who claims it's better than his childhood favorite from the local diner. Even my neighbor, who burns water regularly, successfully created this easy creamy beef and shells and felt like a kitchen superstar! The way the seasoned ground beef mingles with that rich, velvety sauce creates pure comfort food magic that brings families together around the dinner table.
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What You'll Need
These simple ingredients create the most comforting, soul-warming pasta shells and ground beef that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas! I love how this recipe uses everyday pantry staples to create something that tastes absolutely luxurious.
Main Ingredients
- Medium pasta shells
- Olive oil
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Italian seasoning
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Beef broth
- Tomato sauce
- Heavy cream or half and half
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Optional Extras
Sometimes I add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth, or throw in some frozen peas during the last few minutes for added color and nutrition that my kids actually enjoy. Fresh parsley on top makes everything look restaurant-fancy according to my daughter.
This Creamy Beef And Shells recipe is super easy — full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Creamy Beef And Shells
Making this one pot Creamy Beef And Shells feels like creating pure comfort food magic in my kitchen! The incredible aromas have my whole family hovering around the stove before I'm even finished cooking.
Cook the Pasta and Start the Beef
Cook your medium pasta shells about one minute shy of the package directions while you get started on the beefy, creamy sauce. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion in olive oil, breaking up the beef with a spoon until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return it to heat.
Season and Add Flour
Add Italian seasoning, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your ground beef pasta mixture. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the seasoned beef and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Build the Sauce Base
Slowly add the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This creates the rich foundation for your creamy beef and shells casserole. The mixture should start thickening beautifully as you stir.
What can I make with ground meat for dinner besides tacos? This creamy ground beef and shells is perfect! Ground beef transforms into countless dinner possibilities like pasta bakes, stuffed peppers, shepherd's pie, or hearty soups that satisfy the whole family.
Add Tomato and Simmer
Stir in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This step develops those deep, rich flavors that make this beefy shells pasta so irresistible.
Create the Creamy Magic
Add the heavy cream or half and half, stirring gently to create that luscious, velvety texture. The sauce should look rich and glossy at this point. My daughter always says this is when it starts smelling like "restaurant food"!
Add Cheese and Pasta
Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Add your cooked shell pasta and gently fold everything together until the shells are completely coated with the creamy sauce. Cook until warmed through, then remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. The sauce will continue thickening as it cools, creating the perfect consistency for this rich and comforting creamy beef shells casserole.
The moment you taste this cheesy beef shells masterpiece, you'll understand why it's become our family's most requested comfort food dinner!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
When my heavy cream ran out during a weekend cooking spree, I discovered that cream cheese works wonderfully in this creamy beef and shells recipe! Just add it gradually while stirring to prevent clumping. My sister prefers using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version that still delivers incredible flavor.
For different cheese variations, try this cheesy beef shells with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra stretch, or add cream cheese for ultra-rich results. My neighbor swaps regular pasta for whole wheat shells when she wants a healthier twist. Even simple changes like using Italian sausage instead of ground beef create exciting new flavor profiles that keep this beef pasta recipe fresh and interesting.
Top Tip
- After making countless batches of this creamy beef and shells for family dinners and potluck gatherings, I've discovered the secret that separates good from absolutely incredible results! Always cook your pasta shells one minute short of the package directions. My neighbor used to complain about mushy pasta until I shared this trick with her.
- The game changer? Let the finished dish rest for exactly 5 minutes before serving. My impatient teenage son used to dive in immediately and burn his tongue, plus the sauce was too thin. During that resting time, the creamy sauce thickens to perfection and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Here's what transformed my ground beef pasta forever: use full-fat heavy cream instead of milk or half-and-half when possible. The richness makes all the difference in creating that luxurious restaurant-quality texture. My sister tried using skim milk once and called me disappointed about the watery results! Also, shred your own cheddar cheese rather than buying pre-shredded.
- Fresh cheese melts so much smoother and creates that silky sauce that makes this easy creamy beef and shells absolutely irresistible.
Storage and Reuse Instructions
This creamy beef and shells stores perfectly in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container, making it ideal for meal prep! My busy sister makes double batches every Sunday for easy weeknight dinners. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore that creamy texture, since the sauce thickens when cold.
My mom discovered that reheating portions in the microwave works great if you stir every 30 seconds. The oven method at 350°F for about 15 minutes also works beautifully when covered with foil. This ground beef pasta actually tastes even better the next day because all those flavors have time to meld together perfectly!
What to Serve With Creamy Beef And Shells
This creamy beef and shells always steals the show on our dinner table, so I keep the sides simple and fresh! My go-to combination includes a basic garden salad with ranch dressing and some crusty bread rolls that my kids use to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans add perfect color and nutrition to balance this indulgent beef dinner.
For special occasions, my mom serves it with her famous honey cornbread that everyone fights over at family gatherings!
FAQs
How much garlic for 1 pound of beef?
For this creamy beef and shells recipe, I use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder per pound of ground beef, which provides perfect flavor without overwhelming the dish. Fresh garlic works too - use 2-3 cloves minced. My family prefers the garlic powder because it distributes more evenly throughout the beef pasta mixture and doesn't burn during cooking like fresh garlic sometimes can.
What can I make with ground meat for dinner?
Ground beef opens up endless dinner possibilities! Besides this creamy ground beef and shells, try making beef tacos, sloppy joes, meatballs, or stuffed peppers. My sister loves making ground beef chili, while I often create simple beef and rice bowls. This versatile protein works in casseroles, soups, and pasta dishes that satisfy hungry families without breaking the budget — and if you're looking for more inspiration, this collection of ground beef dinner recipes offers plenty of easy, flavorful ideas to try.
What is the nutritional value of creamy beef and shells?
This high-protein creamy beef and shells provides approximately 450-500 calories per serving, with about 25 grams of protein from the ground beef and cheese. While it's definitely a comfort food indulgence, the beef provides iron and B vitamins, while the pasta offers energy-boosting carbohydrates. My nutritionist friend suggests serving it with a side salad to add vegetables and fiber.
What can I make with cream cheese and ground beef?
Cream cheese and ground beef create amazing combinations! Try making creamy beef and shells with cream cheese instead of heavy cream for extra richness, or create stuffed shells recipe with a cream cheese filling. My neighbor makes incredible beef stroganoff using cream cheese, and I love making cheesy beef dip for parties. The possibilities are endless for creating rich, satisfying comfort food dishes.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're looking for more hearty comfort food that brings the whole family together around the Dinner table, these recipes are simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and use ingredients you probably already have!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Creamy, dreamy pasta that's so good it might inspire marriage proposals.
Ditalini Pasta Recipe with Crispy Bacon - Smoky bacon and tender pasta create pure comfort food magic.
Blackened Chicken Alfredo - Spicy chicken meets rich alfredo for restaurant-quality results at home.
Beef Back Ribs - Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with smoky barbecue flavor everyone craves.
Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings - Ultimate comfort food that warms hearts and fills hungry bellies perfectly.
Want more comfort classics? This creamy beef and shells is rich, satisfying, and always a hit with pasta lovers.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your creamy pasta creations! Share this recipe with friends who need more easy ground beef recipes in their dinner rotation.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Creamy Beef And Shells:
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet For browning beef and building the sauce
- 1 Wooden spoon To stir pasta and sauce
- 1 Medium Pot To boil the pasta shells
- 1 Strainer To drain the pasta
Ingredients
- 10 ounces pasta shells - about 3 cups, or sub elbows or penne
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef - 90% lean
- 0.5 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper - freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth - low-sodium
- 15 ounces tomato sauce - 1 can
- 0.5 cup heavy cream - or half and half
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese - shredded
- to taste optional Parmesan cheese - for garnish
Instructions
- Cook your medium pasta shells about one minute shy of the package directions while you get started on the beefy, creamy sauce. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion in olive oil, breaking up the beef with a spoon until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return it to heat.
- Add Italian seasoning, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your ground beef mixture. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and cook for another minute, mixing well to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Stir until the mixture begins to thicken and forms the base of your creamy sauce.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the heavy cream or half and half, stirring gently to blend. The sauce should look glossy and creamy at this stage.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add cooked pasta shells and gently fold until everything is well coated. Cook briefly to warm through, then let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
Kathryn A. Hayes says
Made this but swapped heavy cream for cream cheese and used rotini instead of shells. Still amazing!
Aliana Recipes says
Cream cheese is such a great substitute! Thanks for the feedback, Kathryn!