If you're craving a rich, creamy, and delicious meal that can be whipped up in under an hour, this Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is perfect for you! Combining tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a luscious, cheesy sauce, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when you're simply looking for a comforting meal. Make sure to read through the entire recipe for tips, tricks, and some delicious variations that will elevate your cooking experience to the next level.
What is Creamy Beef and Shells?
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, one-pan pasta dish that combines shell pasta with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and a decadent cream sauce. The pasta shells perfectly capture the creamy sauce, making each bite indulgent. This dish is incredibly versatile, too—you can easily swap out ingredients or add extra veggies to make it your own.
Ready to make your own creamy beef and shells? Let’s dive into the ingredients and how to cook it perfectly!
Ingredients List for Easy Creamy Beef and Shells
To make this comforting and flavorful dish, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 8 oz (225g) pasta shells
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
These ingredients come together to form a dish that is both creamy and hearty, perfect for a family dinner. You can easily find these items at your local grocery store, making this recipe accessible and convenient.
Ingredient List for Sauce
A key component of this recipe is the rich and creamy sauce. Here’s a more focused list of what goes into making that perfect sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
The balance of heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and tomato paste creates a creamy and slightly tangy sauce that complements the beef and pasta perfectly. The beef broth adds depth and richness, rounding out the flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some possible substitutions and variations to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences:
- Pasta: While shells are ideal for capturing the sauce, you can use other types of pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
- Ground Beef: You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a rich flavor, but you could also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Parmesan for a different taste.
- Heavy Cream: If you’re looking to cut down on fat, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Add-Ins: Toss in some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for added texture and nutrition. You can also spice it up with red pepper flakes or jalapeños if you like heat.
These variations allow you to tailor the dish to your liking while still keeping the creamy, comforting essence intact.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make your Easy Creamy Beef and Shells from start to finish. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious, foolproof meal every time:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them until al dente (firm to the bite), as they’ll cook a bit more in the sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine with the onions and garlic. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Beef Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, followed by paprika and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy cream. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to mix until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the pan, mixing it into the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta shells, stirring everything until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the dish simmer for another 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even more cheese if you like. Once ready, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Cook Creamy Beef and Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a simpler breakdown, here’s a quick guide to cooking Creamy Beef and Shells:
- Cook pasta until al dente and drain.
- Brown ground beef and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings.
- Pour in beef broth and let simmer.
- Stir in cream and cheese to create the sauce.
- Mix beef and pasta into the sauce.
- Garnish and serve.
By following this step-by-step guide, you'll have a hearty, creamy dish ready to serve in no time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Always cook pasta until just al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy once combined with the sauce.
- Not Draining Excess Fat from Beef: If your beef is too fatty, be sure to drain some fat after browning. Too much grease can make the sauce heavy and greasy.
- Curdling the Cream: When adding the cream, make sure the heat is not too high, as this can cause it to curdle. Lower the heat before stirring it in.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce. Freshly shredded cheese is best.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your Creamy Beef and Shells can make all the difference in impressing your family or guests:
- Family-Style: Serve directly from the pan for a cozy, rustic feel. Place the skillet in the center of the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves.
- Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, plate individual portions in shallow bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese.
- With Sides: This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells
When it comes to serving, this dish is highly versatile. You can serve it as a stand-alone meal, or pair it with side dishes like roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete, satisfying dinner.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Beef and Shells
For a more polished look, try some of these presentation ideas:
- Garnish with Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top will add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve in Colorful Bowls: Bright, colorful bowls or plates will contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce and make the dish even more appetizing.
- Grated Cheese: Add a final sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or cheddar just before serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and mix everything together.
- Reheating: If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled if you're feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze Creamy Beef and Shells?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Just be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove and stir in a bit more cream to bring back its creamy consistency.
2. How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, Creamy Beef and Shells can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
3. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar is the most commonly used, but you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for different flavors.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a delicious, comforting meal that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. The creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef make for an irresistible combination. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Don't forget to experiment with the variations and tips provided to make it your own!
Give this recipe a try, and let the creamy, cheesy goodness take your taste buds on a flavorful journey!
PrintEasy Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe
This Easy Creamy Beef and Shells recipe combines tender pasta shells with a savory beef sauce and a creamy cheese mixture. It's an ideal quick meal for busy families, featuring a rich, hearty flavor that pleases both kids and adults. Keywords: creamy beef and shells, pasta recipe, easy dinner ideas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta shells and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 ¼ cups)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780 mg
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