If you are searching for a comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying dish to cozy up your dinner table, then Creamy Beef and Shells is exactly what you need. This delicious recipe combines tender ground beef and perfectly cooked pasta shells enveloped in a luscious, velvety cream sauce that’s naturally infused with garlic, onions, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a burst of flavor. Every forkful feels like a warm hug, making it a guaranteed family favorite and an easy go-to for any weeknight meal.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredient list straightforward allows the wonderful natural flavors to shine through in this recipe. Each element has a special role—whether it’s lending creaminess, adding a savory kick, or contributing to the satisfying texture that makes Creamy Beef and Shells memorable.

1 lb lean ground beef: Choose lean to get rich flavor without excess grease, perfect for browning evenly.
8 oz medium pasta shells: These shells hold pockets of the creamy sauce, making every bite a delight.
1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce that transforms this pasta into comfort food gold.
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet and savory foundation that deepens the flavor profile.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with warmth and a subtle pungent depth.
2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Enhances the beefy richness while keeping the sauce light and well-balanced.
2 tsp Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs brings an aromatic, classic Italian flair.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to elevate and balance all the flavors harmoniously.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium pasta shells and cook them until they’re just al dente, which means they’re tender but still have a slight bite. This ensures they won’t turn mushy once mixed with the sauce. Drain the shells and set them aside while you prepare the beef and sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Aromatics

Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef, along with the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook everything until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, and the onions have softened to a translucent, sweet state. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat after this step—that keeps the sauce from becoming greasy and keeps the dish light.

Step 3: Simmer with Beef Broth and Italian Seasoning

Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about five minutes. This simmering lets the flavors meld together beautifully and reduces the broth slightly to concentrate the taste without overpowering the dish.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting everything simmer slowly for another five minutes. This step transforms the broth into a thick, creamy sauce that clings to the beef and will later coat those pasta shells perfectly. Keep the heat low here to avoid curdling the cream—patience is key!

Step 5: Fold in the Cooked Pasta Shells

Gently fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef mixture, making sure every shell is well coated with the luscious sauce. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt or pepper as needed to perfectly balance the flavors. The harmony of creamy, savory, and herbaceous notes is what makes Creamy Beef and Shells so irresistibly good.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is well combined and heated through, your dish is ready to serve. This is where the anticipation peaks because you get to dig into that dreamy combination of creamy sauce, tender beef, and perfectly textured pasta shells.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

Garnishes

To elevate your serving presentation and add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning or freshly chopped parsley on top. A little grated Parmesan cheese also works wonders, adding a salty brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

Creamy Beef and Shells pairs beautifully with fresh, vibrant sides that cut through the richness. Consider a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted broccoli for added texture and color. Warm, crusty bread is another excellent choice for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, try serving the Creamy Beef and Shells in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with a sprinkle of mozzarella and broiled until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, use the mixture as a filling for stuffed bell peppers for a visually stunning and hearty meal option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Creamy Beef and Shells stays fresh for up to three days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or effortless dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes well too, so if you want to keep some on hand for busy days, just place portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Beef and Shells on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave using short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While medium shells are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, other pasta shapes like penne or rotini will work well too. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can be stirred in along with the beef for added nutrition and color.

How do I make this dish spicy?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the beef cooking step or mix in some hot sauce at the end to bring in some heat without overpowering the flavor.

What’s the best way to ensure the beef stays tender?

Cooking the beef over medium heat until just browned and avoiding overcooking helps keep it tender. Also, avoid stirring too vigorously once the cream is added so the meat doesn’t break apart too much.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Beef and Shells is one of those dishes that feels like a hug for your taste buds—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it delivers satisfying results every time. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover firsthand why it’s become one of my absolute favorites. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 15 reviews

Author: Marina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This creamy beef and shells recipe combines tender ground beef with delicate pasta shells in a rich, savory cream sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 lb lean ground beef

Pasta

8 oz medium pasta shells

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Dairy

1 cup heavy cream
2 cups low-sodium beef broth

Seasonings

2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Brown the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so flavors meld and the broth slightly reduces.
Incorporate cream: Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce cook gently for another 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes rich and creamy.
Combine pasta and sauce: Fold the cooked pasta shells into the creamy beef sauce, making sure the pasta is fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this comforting one-pot meal!

Notes

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the dish.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but note the sauce will be less rich.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Make sure to not overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the sauce.
This dish can be reheated in the microwave or stovetop and tastes great as leftovers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: creamy beef, pasta shells, ground beef recipe, Italian seasoning pasta, comfort food, quick dinner