Creamy Beef and Shells – Easy Recipes with Ground Beef

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
• The Perfect Combination of Creamy and Savory Flavors
• Choosing the Best Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
• A Quick and Easy One-Pot Dinner for Busy Nights
• How to Customize Your Creamy Beef and Shells
• Best Side Dishes to Serve with Creamy Beef and Shells
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

• Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick and satisfying meal made with simple ingredients.
• This easy recipe uses ground beef, pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy sauce.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just 30 minutes.
• Can be customized with different cheeses, spices, or even vegetables.
• Pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

When you’re craving something hearty, delicious, and easy to make, look no further than this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe. With tender pasta shells coated in a rich, cheesy sauce and combined with flavorful ground beef, this dish is the definition of comfort food. It’s a meal the whole family will love, and best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make.

The Perfect Combination of Creamy and Savory Flavors

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the balance of flavors! The combination of seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and creamy cheese creates a taste explosion that satisfies every bite. The addition of Italian seasoning and paprika enhances the savory depth, making this dish a standout among easy recipes with ground beef.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

Using high-quality ingredients will make all the difference in your creamy beef and shells. Opt for fresh garlic and onions for bold flavor, and choose a good-quality marinara sauce for a rich tomato base. When it comes to cheese, freshly shredded cheddar melts best, creating that velvety smooth texture you love in comfort food easy recipes.

A Quick and Easy One-Pot Dinner for Busy Nights

One of the best things about this dish is that it’s a one-pot meal! With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when you need a filling meal fast. If you’re looking for one pot easy meals, this is an excellent go-to choice that saves time without sacrificing taste.

How to Customize Your Creamy Beef and Shells

Want to make this recipe your own? There are plenty of ways to customize it! Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add mushrooms and spinach for extra nutrition. You can even mix in different cheeses like Parmesan or mozzarella to give it a unique twist—perfect for those who love easy recipes for dinner with variety.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Creamy Beef and Shells

Complete your meal with the perfect sides! A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish, while a side of garlic bread adds a delicious crunch. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also make excellent choices to round out this comforting meal.

Notes & Tips

• For extra creaminess, stir in a bit of cream cheese before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• This dish stores well—simply refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta shells.

For more delicious comfort food recipes, visit Clara Cooks and explore a variety of easy-to-make, family-friendly meals!

Creamy Beef and Shells – Easy Recipes with Ground Beef

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, easy one-pot dinner made with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Ground Beef

Cuisine: American

Keywords: budget-friendly recipes, comfort food easy recipes, easy recipes for dinner, easy recipes with ground beef, easy recipes with pasta, one pot easy meals, quick and easy recipes

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Clara

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream.
7. Add cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese.