Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful creamy beef and shells dish promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Pasta enthusiasts will adore this hearty meal bursting with rich flavors.

Tender ground beef mingles perfectly with al dente shells, creating a satisfying texture.

Cheese melts into a luxurious sauce that coats every single pasta curve.

Home cooks can master this simple yet impressive recipe in under thirty minutes.

Minimal ingredients combine to deliver maximum deliciousness that makes everyone at the table smile.

We guarantee this recipe will become your new weeknight dinner champion.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content provides the most flavor and keeps the dish from becoming too greasy.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While shell pasta is recommended, you can substitute with similar short pasta like elbow macaroni or rotini that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild flavors and cheesy sauce make this a great meal that children typically enjoy, and it’s easy to customize with additional seasonings for adults.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the sautéing stage to increase the nutritional value without changing the core recipe.

Creamy Beef and Shells, A Classic Combo

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Dive into a one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, creamy meal with minimal kitchen cleanup and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Master Versatile Meal Prep: Perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner that comes together faster than takeout, with ingredients most home cooks already have in their pantry.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt this recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra vegetables, or experimenting with different cheese varieties to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines familiar flavors of pasta, beef, and cheese that children love, making it an ideal solution for picky eaters and family dinner nights.

Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this creamy pasta dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty texture and sharp flavor to the recipe.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy and smooth sauce for the pasta.

• Pasta Shells: Curved pasta that captures the creamy sauce in its shape.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the dish.
• Garlic: Brings a deep, savory flavor to the overall recipe.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a slight tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a rich and creamy base for the dish.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh and light herbal note.
• Oregano: Offers a classic Italian herb flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Helps to brown the meat and prevent sticking to the pan.

Stepwise Instructions for Creamy Beef and Shells

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss ground beef into the pan and break it apart while cooking until it turns a rich golden brown color and develops delicious crispy edges.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Sprinkle chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir and cook until the vegetables become soft and release their fragrant scents, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Fresh parsley
• Dried oregano
• Freshly ground black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it bubble softly for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Cook The Pasta

Add shell pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.

Allow it to cook and absorb the rich flavors until the pasta becomes perfectly tender, which typically takes 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Melt The Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta and beef mixture.

Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture throughout the dish.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Scoop the steaming creamy beef and shells into bowls, making sure each serving gets a generous amount of the saucy goodness.

Enjoy immediately while hot and comforting.

Expert Tips for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Remove excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Watch pasta closely during cooking to achieve perfect al dente consistency, preventing mushy or undercooked shells.
• Add extra milk if sauce seems too thick, creating a smoother and more luxurious creamy texture.
• Experiment with additional herbs like basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes to elevate the overall flavor complexity.

Tasty Variations of Creamy Beef and Shells

• Spicy Southwest Shells: Replace cream of mushroom soup with salsa, add diced green chilies, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Beef: Swap oregano for fresh basil and thyme, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
• Creamy Mushroom Beef Stroganoff: Incorporate sliced mushrooms, replace cheddar with sour cream, and season with Worcestershire sauce for a rich, tangy flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute pasta shells with cauliflower rice, use heavy cream instead of milk, and keep all other ingredients the same for a lighter version.

What Pairs with Creamy Beef and Shells

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavors of Creamy Beef and Shells with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that stands up to the hearty beef and creamy sauce.
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Balance the dish's richness with a light, tangy side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the creamy texture.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Add a crunchy, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a complementary carbohydrate element that enhances the overall meal experience.

Storage Tips for Creamy Beef and Shells

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of milk to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small amounts of milk or broth to prevent drying. Stir frequently and heat until steaming hot, ensuring even temperature throughout.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this creamy beef and shells pasta, where rich ground beef embraces tender pasta shells in a velvety sauce. Quick, hearty, and irresistibly satisfying, you’ll savor every cheesy, meaty bite of this classic home-style dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound small pasta shells
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10 ounces) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown the ground beef, fragmenting it with a utensil until no pink remains.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for approximately 4-5 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk, blending with dried parsley, oregano, and freshly cracked black pepper. Reduce heat and allow mixture to gently simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring intermittently.
4. Fold shell pasta directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring each shell is submerged. Cook for 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
5. Gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, gently folding until cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy texture throughout the dish.
6. Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly. Serve immediately while piping hot for optimal flavor and consistency.

Notes

• Customize meat selection by using lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that maintains the dish’s creamy texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells and using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach during the sautéing stage for added nutrients and color.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by slightly undercooking shells before adding them to the skillet, allowing them to finish cooking in the sauce while absorbing maximum flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 433 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg