Silky-Smooth Velvety Beef and Shells Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this creamy beef and shells recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender ground beef melds seamlessly with perfectly cooked pasta shells, creating a hearty meal packed with flavor.

The rich sauce coats each shell, delivering a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes.

Weeknight dinners rarely get this delicious and easy to prepare.

Cheese adds a luxurious dimension that elevates every single bite.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this meal comes together with simple ingredients.

This dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and empty plates in no time.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty pasta dish with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Cheesy Comfort Pairing: Accompany the creamy beef shells with garlic bread or toasted crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture.
• Wine and Dine Moment: Complement the rich flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel, which pairs beautifully with the beef and cheese combination.
• Leftover Transformation: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth to maintain the creamy consistency, or use as a filling for stuffed peppers for a next-day meal adventure.

How to Keep Creamy Beef and Shells Fresh

• Portion cooked dish into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping sauce and pasta separate prevents soggy texture.
• Freeze unassembled components in sealed containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stovetop.
• Warm slowly in skillet with splash of beef broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent sauce from breaking, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth texture.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Shell pasta is ideal because its curved shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly, allowing each bite to be packed with rich flavor and ensuring maximum sauce coverage.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. The recipe will still maintain its delicious creamy texture and overall taste profile.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef sauce in advance and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and mix with freshly cooked pasta to maintain the best texture and taste.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce while simmering. You can also incorporate some hot sauce or use spicy cheddar cheese to increase the heat level according to your preference.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 636 kcal

Servings: 4

Creamy Beef and Shells Ingredient List

• Pasta Shells: Ridged shells catch and hold the creamy sauce perfectly, creating a delightful texture in every bite. Choose medium-sized shells for the best sauce-to-pasta ratio.

• Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic: Robust ground beef provides hearty flavor while onions and garlic create a deep, savory foundation. Select 80/20 ground beef for optimal richness and moisture.

• Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth, Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Tomato sauce adds tangy brightness, beef broth enhances meaty depth, Italian seasoning brings herbal complexity, and paprika contributes warm, subtle smokiness. Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
• Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cream creates silky smoothness, cheddar delivers sharp tang, and Parmesan introduces nutty, salty notes. Use freshly grated cheeses for superior melting and flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate all other ingredients. Freshly ground black pepper offers more vibrant taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finish and visual appeal. Choose flat-leaf parsley for more intense flavor.

Kitchen Tools for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells perfectly.
• Large Skillet: Crucial for browning beef and building sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Help measure broth, cream, and other liquid ingredients accurately.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Used for dicing onions and mincing garlic.

Cooking Instructions for Creamy Beef and Shells

• Boil Pasta

Toss pasta shells into a pot of salted water and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.

• Brown Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into crumbles until perfectly golden.

• Enhance Flavor Base

Toss diced onions into the beef, letting them soften and release their sweet aroma. Sprinkle minced garlic for an extra flavor kick.

• Create Savory Sauce

Splash in tomato sauce, beef broth, and a blend of Italian seasonings. Let the mixture simmer and develop rich, deep flavors.

• Add Creamy Goodness

Lower the heat and swirl in heavy cream. Gradually melt cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, creating a silky, luxurious sauce.

• Combine and Finish

Fold the cooked pasta shells into the cheesy beef mixture, ensuring every shell gets coated. Let it warm through for a few minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy

Dish out this comforting meal and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

Flavor Tips for Beef and Shells That Shine

• Cook shells just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a delightful chewy bite.
• Use ground beef with lower fat percentage (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner sauce.
• Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.
• Prepare the beef sauce in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, adding fresh pasta when ready to serve for a quick weeknight meal.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda or pepper jack to elevate the flavor profile and create unique taste experiences.

Velvety Beef And Shells Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting Creamy Beef and Shells pasta delivers rich flavors combining tender ground beef with al dente pasta shells in a luscious cheese sauce. Hearty meal satisfies hunger with classic American comfort ingredients perfect for family dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 8 ounces (225 g) medium pasta shells
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta shells until perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Meat Browning: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble ground beef, cooking until deep golden and fully caramelized. Drain excess fat.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic. Allow aromatics to release their intense flavors and meld with the browned meat.
4. Sauce Development: Introduce tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasonings. Simmer the mixture, allowing flavors to intensify and create a rich, robust foundation.
5. Cheese Integration: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, then gradually fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until a silky, uniform sauce forms.
6. Final Combination: Gently fold cooked pasta shells into the creamy sauce, ensuring each shell is completely coated. Warm through for 2-3 minutes to marry flavors.
7. Finishing Touch: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley for an elegant presentation and burst of flavor.

Notes

• Choose High-Quality Meat: Select lean ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal flavor and texture without excessive greasiness.
• Control Pasta Cooking: Slightly undercook shells by 1-2 minutes during initial boiling to prevent mushiness when combined with sauce later.
• Manage Cheese Melting: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lower-fat or vegetarian versions, adjusting seasoning accordingly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg