This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender pasta shells are coated in a rich, cheesy sauce with flavorful ground beef, onions, and spices. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese adds a creamy and tangy finish that everyone will love. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve it piping hot for a comforting and delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The blend of cheddar and Parmesan adds layers of cheesy goodness, while Italian seasoning and paprika give the dish a flavorful kick. With minimal prep time and a one-pan sauce, this recipe is a quick and delicious way to please the whole family.
Key Ingredients
Medium Pasta Shells: The shells capture the creamy, cheesy sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful. You can substitute with elbow macaroni or orecchiette if needed.
Ground Beef: Provides a savory, hearty base for the dish. Opt for 85% lean beef for a good balance of flavor and minimal grease.
Onion and Garlic: The diced onion adds sweetness and depth, while garlic infuses the dish with aromatic richness.
Italian Seasoning and Paprika: These spices bring a warm, herby kick and a subtle smoky note to the dish.
Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful, rich base for the creamy sauce. Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to the sauce. For a lighter option, half-and-half can be used.
Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese: The combination of cheeses makes the sauce extra gooey and flavorful, with Parmesan adding a savory, nutty finish.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of parsley provides a pop of color and a touch of freshness to balance the richness.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain: Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
Drain Excess Fat: Remove any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Cook the Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Add Flour: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the beef mixture and stir until fully combined.
Pour in Beef Broth: Gradually add 1 cup of beef broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Add Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Simmer gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove from Heat: Take the skillet off the heat.
Melt the Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the cheesy beef sauce.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Step 7: Serve
Serve Immediately: Scoop the creamy cheesy beef and pasta shells onto plates and serve hot.
Enjoy: Relish this comforting, hearty dish that’s sure to please the whole family!
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Beef and Shells is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to round it out:
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for sopping up the cheesy sauce.
Green Salad: Pair with a crisp side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus make excellent side dishes.
For a cozy dinner, enjoy this dish with a glass of red wine or a sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
Storage Tips
Refrigerating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for added nutrition.
Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and substitute Greek yogurt for the heavy cream.
Extra Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and broil for a bubbly, golden finish.
Herbaceous Twist: Swap parsley with fresh basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef and Shells is a delightful combination of comfort and convenience, perfect for busy evenings or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. This family-friendly dish is packed with flavor, and its rich, creamy sauce guarantees it will be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with the variations, this meal is sure to become a go-to favorite. Serve it up and enjoy the smiles it brings—happy cooking!
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir until fully combined. Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the cheesy beef sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Scoop the creamy cheesy beef and pasta shells onto plates and serve hot.
