Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells: Your New Go-To Comfort Food!

Creamy Beef and Shells combines tender shells with savory ground beef, creating a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Medium Pasta Shells Substitute with rotini or elbow macaroni if desired.
For the Meat
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground turkey or plant-based ground beef can be used as alternatives.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots or leeks can be used for a sweeter taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced garlic is preferred.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Creamy Tomato Sauce Use store-bought or homemade; add cream cheese for extra richness.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Dried mixed herbs or fresh basil are good alternatives.
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup Mushrooms Sauté before adding to the mix.
  • 1 cup Spinach or Bell Peppers Add towards the end of cooking.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Beef and Shells
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the medium pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, slightly less than the package instructions for a perfect bite. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, allowing the hot steam to escape.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is well-browned and no longer pink. If there's excess fat, drain it off.
  4. Pour in the creamy tomato sauce, along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly, allowing the sauce to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Fold the cooked pasta shells into the skillet, carefully incorporating them into the creamy beef mixture. Stir for another 2-3 minutes until every shell is perfectly coated with the sauce.
  6. Once heated through, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is versatile; consider adding veggies or using different proteins based on your preference.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!