Irresistibly Creamy Cheesy Beef & Shells: A Comforting Classic

Cheesy Beef & Shells is a comforting classic in American cooking that blends hearty beef with pasta perfection.

The creamy cheese sauce mixed with seasoned ground beef creates a flavor combination that fills you up and satisfies your taste buds.

This popular pasta dish often becomes the star at family dinners and casual get-togethers.

The mix of tender pasta shells and rich, savory meat turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal.

People who love to cook enjoy the versatility and ease of making this tasty recipe.

Warm, inviting, and full of bold flavors, it remains a favorite in kitchens everywhere.

Why Cheesy Beef & Shells Is Always A Win

• Tackle Quick Weeknight Meals: This recipe conquers busy evenings with its simple, one-skillet approach that delivers maximum flavor in under 30 minutes.
• Comfort Food Champion: Loaded with cheesy goodness and hearty ground beef, it provides a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Kid-Friendly Favorite: Pasta shells and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that children and adults will eagerly devour without complaints.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Using a single skillet means less washing up, making this dish a dream for anyone who wants delicious food without a mountain of dishes afterward.

Ingredients For Cheesy Beef & Shells

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base with deep flavor, best when lean for less grease.
• Beef Broth: Enhances meat flavor and adds moisture to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, luxurious sauce texture.
• Cheese: Provides creamy, melty richness with sharp flavor.

• Pasta Shells: Captures sauce and provides hearty base, medium size works best.
• Onion: Adds sweet aromatic foundation to the dish.
• Garlic: Brings intense depth and classic savory notes.

• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create smooth consistency.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds tangy undertone and rich color.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herb complexity.
• Paprika: Offers mild warmth and slight smokiness.
• Garlic Powder: Reinforces fresh garlic flavor.
• Sea Salt: Balances and enhances overall dish taste.

Easy Steps To Make Cheesy Beef & Shells

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Grab a large skillet and cook ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Move the beef to a separate bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, cook diced onions until they become fragrant and translucent. Add minced garlic and quickly sauté for less than a minute.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic, stirring thoroughly. Slowly pour beef broth while continuously stirring until the mixture starts thickening.

Step 4: Boost Sauce Intensity

Crank heat to high and let sauce bubble for a quick 1-2 minutes to develop deeper flavors.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Pasta shells

Mix everything together smoothly.

Step 6: Simmer The Pasta

Cover skillet and simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes until pasta becomes perfectly tender.

Step 7: Melt The Cheese

• Cheese
• Heavy cream

Continue stirring until completely melted and integrated.

Step 8: Reunite The Beef

Return cooked beef to skillet and gently mix into the creamy sauce.

Step 9: Final Warmup

Let everything simmer for additional couple minutes to reheat beef. Serve piping hot and enjoy this comfort meal!

Smart Tips For Cheesy Beef & Shells

• Drain Excess Fat: Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and enhance overall flavor.
• Customize Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for unique taste profiles and extra richness.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Watch pasta shells closely during simmering to ensure they remain al dente and maintain a perfect texture without becoming mushy.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce added salt to create a heart-friendly version for those monitoring sodium intake.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the entire dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

How To Keep Cheesy Beef & Shells Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop Reheating: Transfer leftovers to skillet, add splash of beef broth or cream to maintain moisture, stir gently over medium-low heat until thoroughly heated.
• Freezing Option: Freeze in freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Perfect Pairings With Cheesy Beef & Shells

• Savor Robust Red Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot perfectly complement the rich, meaty flavors of this cheesy beef dish, cutting through the creamy texture and enhancing the savory notes.
• Craft a Crisp Side Salad: Create a tangy green salad with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich main course.
• Elevate with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the delicious sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor and providing a crunchy texture alongside the creamy shells.
• Select Bright Beverage Companion: Choose a cold craft beer like amber ale or hoppy IPA to cut through the richness, cleanse the palate, and add a complementary flavor profile that matches the dish's complexity.

Cheesy Beef & Shells You Can Tweak

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, maintaining the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta shells with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream instead of heavy cream, creating a lactose-free meal that still delivers robust taste.

FAQs On Cheesy Beef & Shells

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s browned thoroughly and seasoned similarly.

• How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has mild seasoning. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking for extra kick.

• What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar and mozzarella blend wonderfully, but you can also use monterey jack or a pre-shredded Italian cheese mix for great results.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy pasta and mild seasonings make it appealing to children, and it’s a balanced meal with protein and pasta they’ll love.

Easy Cheesy Beef & Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this Cheesy Beef & Shells recipe, blending rich ground beef with creamy pasta shells. Melted cheese and hearty flavors create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) small pasta shells
• 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Fire up a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat until it loses its raw pink color, then transfer to a separate container.
2. Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions until they turn translucent and release their aromatic essence, then introduce minced garlic and cook briefly.
3. Dust the onion and garlic mixture with flour, creating a light coating that will help thicken the sauce, then gradually stream in beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Elevate the heat and allow the liquid to bubble vigorously, which helps develop deeper flavor and smooth consistency.
5. Incorporate tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt, then fold in pasta shells, ensuring each shell gets coated with the rich, fragrant sauce.
6. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and let the pasta simmer until it reaches perfect tenderness, absorbing the robust flavors.
7. Lower the temperature and introduce cheese and heavy cream, stirring gently until they meld into a silky, luxurious sauce.
8. Reintroduce the reserved beef into the creamy shell mixture, folding delicately to maintain the meat’s texture and distribute it evenly.
9. Allow the dish to rest momentarily, letting the flavors harmonize before serving this comforting, cheesy creation piping hot.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this comforting dish.
• Opt for whole wheat pasta shells to increase fiber and nutritional value for a more balanced meal.
• Test pasta doneness by tasting a shell during simmering to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture.
• Consider swapping heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk for a lighter alternative that still provides creamy richness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg