Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that wraps rich, comforting flavors around tender pasta, then Creamy Beef and Shells is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together succulent ground beef, indulgent cheese, and delicate pasta shells in a velvety, tomato-infused cream sauce that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, Creamy Beef and Shells combines simplicity with a luscious depth of flavor that never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and each brings something essential to the table — from texture and taste to that inviting homemade charm. You don’t need complicated components to create a dish bursting with heart and soul.

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells: Their shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, making every bite deliciously coated.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity undertone and helps brown the beef beautifully.
• 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and the meaty base that makes this dish so satisfying.
• 1/2 medium sweet onion (diced): Offers a gentle sweetness and a bit of texture contrast.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a touch of warmth.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that elevate the sauce’s complexity and freshness.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The key to that luscious, silky thickness in the sauce.
• 2 cups beef stock: Adds savory richness and deep umami undercurrents.
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Provides acidity and vibrant color, balancing the creaminess.
• 3/4 cup heavy cream: The heart of the creamy texture that makes this dish irresistibly smooth.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring everything into harmony.
• 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for a punch of tangy, cheesy goodness.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions until perfectly tender. Drain them well and set aside. This step is crucial because the pasta forms the delicious base that holds all that creamy sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to get every bit nice and crumbled. Once browned, drain any excess fat, so you avoid a greasy final dish. Set the beef aside for now to keep it warm and ready for the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, toss in the diced sweet onion and sauté it until it turns translucent and soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning—this will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as the flavors bloom together.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, whisking it in until the flour is lightly browned—this little step builds the foundation for that silky sauce. Slowly pour in the beef stock and tomato sauce while whisking to avoid lumps, bringing the mixture to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Time to bring everything together! Stir in the cooked pasta shells, browned beef, and heavy cream into the skillet. Heat the mixture through for a couple of minutes and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, stir in the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into a glossy, cheesy finish that makes the dish so comforting.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal contrast. A little cracked black pepper or a pinch of red chili flakes can also elevate the dish if you like a bit of a kick.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, which balances the richness of the Creamy Beef and Shells. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also make perfect companions to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Creamy Beef and Shells in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese before popping them under the broiler for a golden bubbly crust. For a fun twist, layer it in a casserole dish with some roasted vegetables for an all-in-one baked meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Beef and Shells can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinner on busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Add a splash of milk or broth if it feels too thick. Alternatively, warming in the microwave is convenient but check and stir every minute to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta shells for this recipe?

Absolutely! While medium pasta shells work beautifully to hold the creamy sauce, small shells or even elbow macaroni can be great substitutes without changing the texture too much.

Is it possible to make Creamy Beef and Shells vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or use cooked lentils for protein, and replace beef stock with vegetable broth to keep the dish hearty yet vegetarian-friendly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare everything up to mixing in the cheese, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese if you like, and bake until bubbly and heated through.

What’s the best way to get the cheese melted smoothly in the sauce?

Adding the cheese at the end of the cooking process while the sauce is still warm ensures it melts evenly and smoothly. Stir it in gently over low heat to avoid clumping.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Of course! Stir in some red pepper flakes with the garlic and Italian seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Creamy Beef and Shells that feels both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. Its comforting, cheesy goodness combined with tender pasta and hearty beef makes it an all-time favorite that’s easy to whip up any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own go-to dish for cozy, flavorful meals that everyone will love.

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