Creamy Beef and Shells

The creamy, comforting sauce coats each shell perfectly, offering a rich, velvety texture that pairs so well with the tender beef. As you take that first bite, you’re hit with a blend of savory beef, a hint of garlic, and the subtle warmth from the spices. The shells are the perfect vessel, holding just enough sauce with each bite, making sure no flavor goes to waste. It’s one of those dishes where the sauce clings to every crevice, so you get that satisfying, indulgent bite each time.

The beauty of this dish lies in its balance. The richness of the beef and cream sauce is cut by the slight tang from a touch of tomato paste, making it so comforting yet not overly heavy. I love how it brings all the textures together—the tender beef, the creamy sauce, and the slightly chewy pasta shells. It’s simple, but each layer of flavor feels intentional.

And while this dish is amazing as is, I often find myself adding a handful of fresh herbs just before serving—fresh parsley or basil works wonders. Not only does it brighten up the dish with a pop of color, but the fresh herbs give it a little something extra that makes each bite feel even more special.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Shells

When it comes to making creamy beef and shells, it’s the ingredients that truly make the dish shine. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients that come together to make this dish irresistibly delicious.

• Ground beef
  The heart of this dish, ground beef brings a savory, meaty richness that forms the foundation of the sauce. It’s juicy and flavorful, giving each bite a hearty, comforting feeling.
• Garlic
  A key flavor enhancer, garlic adds warmth and depth to the dish. Its aromatic qualities elevate the overall taste, providing a subtle kick that complements the richness of the beef.
• Onion
  Onion provides a natural sweetness and savory undertone, which balances out the more robust flavors of the beef. When sautéed, it caramelizes slightly, creating an aromatic base for the sauce.
• Tomato paste
  A small but mighty ingredient, tomato paste adds a tangy depth and a touch of acidity that helps cut through the creaminess of the sauce. It adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Heavy cream
  This is what gives the sauce its silky, smooth texture. Heavy cream is responsible for that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth quality, turning the dish into something indulgent yet balanced.
• Beef broth
  Beef broth intensifies the flavor profile of the sauce, adding a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the beef. It helps to thin the sauce just enough to make it easy to coat the pasta.
• Pasta shells
  The shells are not just a vessel for the sauce—they’re a key part of the experience! Their ridges and shape allow the sauce to cling to them, giving each bite a satisfying, flavorful hit.
• Fresh herbs (optional)
  While not essential, fresh herbs like parsley or basil bring a burst of color and freshness to the dish. Their fragrant notes lighten up the richness of the sauce, offering a bright contrast to the deeper flavors.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Beef and Shells

Here are a few ideas to make the experience even better:

• Pair with a Simple Green Salad
  The bright, tangy dressing cuts through the creaminess of the pasta, making it more refreshing.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread
  The warm, toasted bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
• Top with Crumbled Bacon or Crispy Shallots
  It adds a satisfying crunch and enhances the flavors.

How to Store Creamy Beef and Shells

If you find yourself with leftovers, follow these tips to keep it tasting just as delicious:

Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the stove over low heat with a splash of beef broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can use the microwave while keeping it covered.

For freezing, let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Conclusion

And there you have it—creamy beef and shells, a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, yet balanced with just the right mix of flavors and textures. From the rich, velvety sauce to the perfectly tender beef and the hearty pasta, every bite is like a little hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy weeknight or for a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that feels like home, and there’s something so special about sharing a hearty, homemade meal with the people you love. If you have any thoughts, questions, or tweaks you’d like to share, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to drop a comment below and let me know how it goes—whether you’ve made it or just have some thoughts to share. I’m always here if you need any help or if you’re looking for more recipe ideas to fill your kitchen with flavor.

Print Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Rich, tender beef mingles with perfectly cooked pasta shells in a creamy, velvety sauce. Every bite is a cozy hug, bursting with savory flavors and a touch of richness that’ll make you crave more. Comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 ounces shell pasta

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt to taste

• Pepper to taste

• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of ground beef to the skillet.
3. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked through.
4. As the beef cooks, break it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula.
5. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
6. Add one chopped medium onion to the skillet with the beef.
7. Stir the onion into the beef and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
8. Add two cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes (undrained) into the skillet.
10. Stir the tomatoes into the beef mixture and allow it to simmer for 2 minutes.
11. Add two cups of beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef and tomatoes.
12. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer.
13. While the beef mixture simmers, cook eight ounces of shell pasta according to the package instructions.
14. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
15. After the beef and broth have simmered for about 5 minutes, stir in one cup of heavy cream.
16. Add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the skillet, then stir to combine all the ingredients.
17. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavor as desired.
18. Add the cooked shell pasta into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture.
19. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
20. Let the pasta and beef mixture simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
21. Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
22. Sprinkle one-half cup of shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the creamy beef and shells.
23. Stir the cheese into the mixture until it melts and the sauce becomes thicker.
24. Serve immediately, and enjoy your creamy beef and shells!

Note

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the dish.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• If you prefer a richer flavor, try using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish for extra flavor and color.

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