Name: Creamy Beef and Shells – Easy Recipes with Ground Beef for the Whole Family
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz medium pasta shells; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup beef broth; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This creamy beef and shells dish is the ultimate comfort food and a staple in easy recipes with ground beef. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together fast—perfect for busy weeknights. With its blend of quick and easy recipes, easy recipes for dinner, and easy pasta recipes, it’s a guaranteed hit for the whole family. Whether you’re craving one pot easy recipes or need a go-to comfort food easy recipe, this one ticks all the boxes.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
3) Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Shells
4) How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
5) Tips for Making Creamy Beef and Shells
6) Making Creamy Beef and Shells Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Creamy Beef and Shells
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) Creamy Beef and Shells
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This dish is one of the best easy recipes with ground beef.
Perfect for weeknight dinners thanks to its quick prep and cook time.
Delivers comforting, cheesy, and savory flavors that the whole family will love.
Stores well for leftovers and works great as a make-ahead meal.

2) Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

This creamy beef and shells recipe by Elena from Elena Cooks is a game-changer for busy families. Not only does it hit all the checkboxes of comfort food, but it also fits perfectly into the category of easy recipes with ground beef. If you’re a fan of quick and easy recipes, this dish delivers flavor and warmth in under 30 minutes. It’s also one of those easy recipes for dinner that you’ll keep coming back to—thanks to the creamy cheddar cheese, well-seasoned beef, and tender pasta shells. Plus, it’s ideal for one pot easy recipes lovers and fits right into any family dinner rotation. If you’re in search of comfort food easy recipes that are delicious and satisfying, you’ve found it here. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this is a dinner you’ll be proud to serve over and over again.

3) Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Shells

8 oz medium pasta shells: These provide the perfect shape and texture to absorb all that creamy, cheesy sauce.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brown the beef and add a depth of richness to the base of the dish.

1 pound ground beef: The star of this easy recipes with ground beef dish, offering a savory, hearty element that pairs beautifully with cheese and pasta.

1 small onion, diced: Adds a hint of sweetness and aromatic flavor to the beef mixture.

2 cloves garlic, minced: Elevates the savory factor with that essential garlic punch.

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to infuse depth into the dish.

1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and color to enhance both appearance and flavor.

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder: Adds a hint of tang and balances the richness of the cheese and cream.

Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a luxuriously creamy consistency.

1 cup beef broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base that carries all the other ingredients.

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Introduces acidity and umami, perfectly offsetting the richness of the cream and cheese.

3/4 cup heavy cream: Key to creating that indulgent creamy texture we all love in comfort food easy recipes.

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for a gooey, cheesy finish that coats the shells and beef.

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and color to the finished dish.

4) How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Step 1: Start by cooking the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, drizzling with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until well browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure a fine texture. This is where the flavor of your easy recipes with ground beef really begins.

Step 3: Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until it turns translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the beef is well-coated with spices.

Step 5: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the meat mixture, stirring continuously to avoid clumping. Let it cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 6: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring. Add the tomato sauce and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.

Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 8: Finally, add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes. Top with chopped parsley before serving.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Beef and Shells

To make the most out of your creamy beef and shells, here are a few handy tips that help elevate the flavor and texture. First, always brown the beef thoroughly. This adds caramelized flavor notes, an essential step for any ground beef based dinner. Second, choose quality cheddar cheese and shred it fresh instead of using pre-shredded options; the melt and flavor will be far superior. Third, season as you go. Taste at different stages and adjust salt and pepper levels to match your flavor preferences. If you’re a fan of comfort food easy recipes, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. For creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese along with the heavy cream. And lastly, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens and clings better to the pasta. That’s a pro move for mastering easy pasta recipes!

6) Making Creamy Beef and Shells Ahead of Time

This recipe works wonderfully for meal prep or make-ahead meals. You can fully prepare the dish, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce if it has thickened too much. This makes it an excellent option if you’re searching for family dinner easy recipes to plan your weeknight meals. You can even make the sauce in advance and store it separately from the cooked pasta, then combine just before serving to maintain the best texture. Either way, this one pot easy recipe delivers convenience and taste, making it a winner for busy households. It’s just another reason this dish stands out among easy recipes with ground beef.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Beef and Shells

To store your leftover creamy beef and shells, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When reheating, especially in the microwave, stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This method maintains the dish’s creamy texture and prevents dryness. If you prefer to reheat on the stovetop, place leftovers in a skillet with a few tablespoons of liquid and warm on low, stirring until heated through. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream content, which may separate upon thawing. But rest assured, between how fast it disappears and how easy it is to make again, you’ll never be short of a delicious meal when you’ve got creamy beef and shells in your dinner rotation.

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9) Creamy Beef and Shells