Hearty Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: Cozy Dinner Magic

Crafting a comforting creamy beef and shells recipe brings pure culinary magic to your dinner table.

Pasta shells cradle rich, savory ground beef in a luxurious sauce that feels like a warm hug.

Cheese melts seamlessly throughout each tender shell, creating layers of incredible flavor.

Weeknight meals just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Simple ingredients combine to produce something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Kids and adults alike will devour this creamy, hearty meal in minutes.

You cannot resist the temptation of this irresistible pasta creation that promises to become a new family favorite.

Creamy Beef And Shells to Enjoy

• Tackle Weeknight Dinners: Conquer dinner challenges with this simple yet satisfying one-skillet meal that transforms basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing feast.
• Create Comfort in Minutes: Craft a hearty dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors without complicated techniques, perfect for busy families craving delicious home-cooked meals.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Blend rich ingredients like heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and marinara sauce to create a luxurious sauce that elevates classic pasta and beef combinations.

Ingredients for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Pasta Shells: Tender pasta that serves as the base of this hearty dish.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that provides a robust and satisfying flavor to the recipe.
• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add richness and smooth texture to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Dried Parsley, Oregano, Paprika: Aromatic herbs and spices that create a complex and delicious flavor profile.
• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build depth and fragrance in the sauce.
• Beef Stock, Marinara Sauce: Flavorful liquids that form the base of the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil, Flour: Key components for cooking and thickening the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for adjusting and balancing the overall taste.

How to Prepare Creamy Beef And Shells

Step 1: Cook Pasta Shells

Boil a large pot of water with salt. Drop pasta shells into the boiling water and cook according to package directions.

Once tender, drain completely and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and break it into small pieces while cooking. Cook until beef turns completely brown and no pink remains.

Drain excess grease from the pan.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic

Cook onions first until they become translucent, then add garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir and cook for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste and create a golden roux.

Step 5: Build Sauce Foundation

• Beef stock
• Marinara sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Dried parsley
• Oregano
• Paprika

Whisk everything together smoothly.

Step 6: Simmer Sauce

Bring sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.

Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Add cooked pasta and browned beef into the sauce.

Stir thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 8: Enrich With Cream

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream

Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 9: Melt Cheese

Fold in grated cheddar cheese.

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 10: Plate And Garnish

Transfer beef and shells to serving dishes.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips to Nail Creamy Beef And Shells

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Use freshly grated cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and richer taste.
• Add a splash of worcestershire sauce to intensify the beef's umami depth during cooking.
• Try different cheese combinations like monterey jack or pepper jack for unique flavor variations.

Variations on Creamy Beef And Shells

• Gluten-Free Beef and Shells: Replace wheat pasta with gluten-free shells and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute pasta shells with roasted cauliflower florets. Use heavy cream and cheese to maintain the creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock to keep the dish meat-free while preserving the rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream and sour cream with coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitute for the cheddar to create a creamy, allergen-friendly version of the dish.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, creamy beef flavors. These wines provide a perfect balance with their tannic structure and deep fruit notes that cut through the dish's richness.
• Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to enhance the beef's savory profile. The beer's crisp bitterness and malty undertones create a delightful contrast with the creamy pasta.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to bring a zesty, refreshing element. The salad's bright acidity helps cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty pasta dish.

Storage Advice for Creamy Beef And Shells

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this dish so creamy?

The combination of heavy cream, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese creates the rich, velvety texture that makes this beef and shells recipe incredibly creamy and indulgent.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken can be excellent substitutes for beef, offering a lighter alternative while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile of the dish.

• Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?

Yes, this recipe is essentially a one-skillet meal, which means minimal cleanup and easy preparation. You’ll cook the beef, create the sauce, and combine everything in the same skillet.

• How can I make this dish slightly healthier?

You can reduce the fat content by using lean ground beef, choosing low-fat dairy options, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty creamy beef and shells delivers comfort on a plate with rich, cheesy pasta. Home cooks can quickly prepare this satisfying meal that combines ground beef, tender shells, and a velvety sauce you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 15 oz marinara sauce
• 1 cup beef stock
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
• 1 small sweet onion (finely diced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• kosher salt (to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted water to rolling boil in large pot. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef, breaking into crumbles while cooking until rich brown color develops, approximately 4 minutes. Eliminate excess grease after cooking.
3. Within identical skillet, sauté diced onions for 2 minutes, stirring consistently. Introduce minced garlic and cook until aromatic, roughly 45 seconds.
4. Dust flour across skillet surface, whisking continuously for 60 seconds to create light golden roux. This technique establishes sauce foundation.
5. Gradually stream beef stock into skillet, integrating smoothly. Incorporate marinara sauce and traditional Italian herb blend – including dried parsley, oregano, and paprika. Blend thoroughly.
6. Elevate mixture to gentle boil, then reduce heat. Simmer sauce for 7-8 minutes, allowing natural reduction and slight thickening. Stir periodically during this process.
7. Merge cooked pasta and reserved beef into sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating and distribution throughout mixture.
8. Introduce heavy cream and warm for 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences. Fold in sour cream, creating luxurious texture.
9. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese across surface. Allow cheese to melt completely, stirring gently for uniform integration, approximately 2 minutes.
10. Transfer immediately to serving dishes. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Choose medium or large shells to hold the creamy sauce effectively, ensuring each bite delivers maximum flavor.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, creating a cleaner and lighter dish without compromising richness.
• Temper heavy cream slowly to prevent curdling by adding it gradually and maintaining a consistent medium heat.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option or use plant-based meat alternatives for vegetarian adaptation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 750 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg