Are you looking for a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing your guests with a cozy, hearty dish. It's packed with rich flavors, tender pasta, and a velvety cream sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Read on to discover the step-by-step guide, helpful tips, and tricks to perfect this recipe every time!
What is Creamy Beef and Shells?
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting pasta dish made with ground beef, pasta shells, and a deliciously creamy, cheesy sauce. It's a perfect blend of rich flavors and smooth textures that make it an ultimate comfort meal. Think of it as a homemade, upgraded version of your favorite boxed pasta dish—but far more delicious! The beef adds heartiness, while the shells are ideal for catching all that creamy sauce.
Ingredients List for Creamy Beef and Shells
Before you dive into the kitchen, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for a classic Creamy Beef and Shells recipe:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound of ground beef – Lean beef is best, but you can also use regular beef and drain the excess fat.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic gives an aromatic kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a slight smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for balancing the flavors.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce for a creamy texture.
- 2 cups whole milk – Gives the sauce its velvety smoothness.
- 1 cup beef broth – Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The sharpness of cheddar balances the creaminess.
- ½ cup heavy cream – Ensures the sauce is extra creamy.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Gives a tangy richness to the sauce.
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells – Shells work perfectly to hold onto the creamy sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
Sometimes, you may want to mix things up or adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
- Meat Substitutions: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You could also substitute half the ground beef with Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor.
- Cheese Options: If you’re out of cheddar, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. Mozzarella will give you a milder, gooier texture, while Parmesan will add more sharpness.
- Add Vegetables: You can sneak in some extra nutrition by adding chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour for a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Spice it Up: If you love spicy food, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get cooking! Follow this simple step-by-step guide for perfectly creamy, flavorful Beef and Shells every time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Set the beef aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil if needed. Sauté the diced onions until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Season the Beef
Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. Set aside.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Next, add the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Tomato Paste
Stir the shredded cheddar cheese and tomato paste into the sauce. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Pour the creamy sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to combine, then gently fold in the cooked pasta shells, making sure everything is well coated with the sauce.
Step 8: Simmer and Serve
Let everything simmer together for about 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld. Once done, serve the dish hot and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this dish is fairly simple, there are a few common mistakes that could trip you up. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Skipping the Roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is key to achieving a creamy sauce. Skipping this step or not cooking it long enough can result in a sauce that’s too thin.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Be generous with your seasoning! A little extra salt, pepper, or herbs can make all the difference in bringing out the dish’s full flavor.
- Using Low-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest results, stick with whole milk and heavy cream. Low-fat alternatives may result in a thinner, less flavorful sauce.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving this comforting dish, presentation matters, especially if you’re serving guests! Here are some tips for serving Creamy Beef and Shells in style:
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells
- Family Style: For a cozy, informal dinner, serve the Creamy Beef and Shells family-style in a large serving bowl. Place it in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves.
- Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, scoop individual portions onto plates or shallow bowls. You can top each portion with a little extra cheese and freshly chopped parsley for garnish.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Beef and Shells
- Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives over the dish. The fresh green color adds a beautiful contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Cheese Topping: For extra indulgence, sprinkle more shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving.
- Serve with Bread: Pair the dish with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe Tips
To make your dish even better, here are some bonus tips:
- Cook the pasta last: This ensures that the pasta stays warm and doesn’t overcook while waiting for the sauce to finish.
- Stir frequently: While cooking the sauce, stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure an even texture.
- Double the recipe: This dish makes excellent leftovers, so consider doubling the recipe and saving some for lunch the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze Creamy Beef and Shells?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. However, the texture of the sauce may change slightly when reheated. To freeze, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.
What can I use instead of pasta shells?
If you don’t have pasta shells, you can substitute other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them separately from the pasta. Reheat the sauce and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate Creamy Beef and Shells recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. With a rich, velvety sauce, tender pasta, and hearty beef, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintCreamy Beef And Shells Recipe
Creamy Beef and Shells is a delicious comfort food made with ground beef, pasta shells, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this flavorful recipe is easy to make and packed with savory goodness. Featuring ingredients like cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and garlic, it's sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
- Stir in cooked pasta shells and shredded cheddar cheese until combined and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. You can also add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
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