This Creamy Beef and Shells is a simple, warm meal. It mixes ground beef, pasta shells, tomatoes, cheese, and cream. You can make it fast on a weeknight. If you like beef and veggies, you might also enjoy Chinese Beef and Broccoli as another quick option.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Make this dish when you want a filling, tasty meal that cooks fast. It uses few ingredients and gives rich, creamy flavor. It fits small families or busy nights. For more creamy pasta ideas, see creamy gnocchi with spinach and feta which also uses cream and cheese.
How to make Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients :
1 pound ground beef, 8 ounces pasta shells, 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, Salt and pepper to taste, Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheese into the skillet with the beef mixture until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the mixture, stirring until combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Creamy Beef and Shells
A simple, warm meal combining ground beef, pasta shells, tomatoes, cheese, and cream, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheese into the skillet with the beef mixture until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the mixture, stirring until combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
Brown the beef well for better flavor. Drain excess fat so the sauce is not greasy. Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting. If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
How to serve Creamy Beef and Shells
Serve hot from the pan. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for color. A piece of crusty bread goes well too.
How to store Creamy Beef and Shells
Cool the dish to room temperature first. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a pan on low heat or in the microwave until warm.
Tips to make Creamy Beef and Shells
- Brown the beef well for better flavor.
- Drain excess fat so the sauce is not greasy.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or broth.
- For a fancier beef option, try a roast like this beef tenderloin roast recipe for special days.
Variations
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers with the beef for extra veg.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Stir in spinach or mushrooms for more texture.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- You can make side dishes like mashed potatoes or casseroles; a similar ground beef idea is this ground beef and potato casserole.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Any short pasta like penne or macaroni works fine.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze it, but cream sauces may change texture. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: How do I make it less rich?
A: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and cut the cheese by half.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes. Add cooked spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the sauce before mixing with pasta.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is easy and quick. It makes a warm, creamy meal with simple ingredients. Try the variations to fit your taste. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat when ready.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
