Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender pasta shells with rich, savory ground beef in a luscious cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this recipe balances bold flavors with creamy texture for an irresistible meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until aromatic and deeper in color.
3. Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat on the skillet and stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss until well coated.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For added freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving.
• Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
• Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheese profile.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni will work well in this recipe as they hold the sauce nicely.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or omit the cheese altogether.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

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4.9 from 548 reviews

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, easy-to-make skillet meal featuring tender ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato and herb sauce combined with tender pasta shells, creamy heavy cream, and melted cheddar cheese for a rich and satisfying dinner.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 8 oz medium pasta shells

For the Beef Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce

• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully crumbled. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
2. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste into the beef. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic and the tomato paste darkens in color, intensifying the flavor.
3. Simmer with Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly and concentrate its flavors.
4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss well to ensure every shell is coated with the creamy beef sauce.
7. Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, give it one last toss, and serve warm for a deliciously comforting meal.

Notes

• Use medium pasta shells or similarly sized pasta like rotini or penne for best results.
• For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice subtle heat to the dish.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• For extra vegetables, consider mixing in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms during the beef cooking step.

Keywords: creamy beef shells, pasta with beef, cheesy beef pasta, easy dinner, one skillet meal