Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: Easy Family Dinner

Name: Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz shell pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 oz cream cheese; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup sour cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Published: February 16, 2026

by rimy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe stands out because of its incredible flavor profile. The combination of tender pasta shells and seasoned ground beef creates a hearty dish that satisfies your cravings. Plus, the creamy sauce brings everything together, ensuring each bite is rich and full of depth.

Another compelling reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your preferences. Additionally, it’s an excellent option for meal prep; you can make a big batch ahead of time and reheat it for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Key Ingredients

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for Dinner ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for achieving the best results in this Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shell Pasta: The star of the dish, shell pasta captures the creamy sauce beautifully.
Ground Beef: A flavorful source of protein that adds heartiness to the dish.
Onion: Chopped onion enhances the overall flavor with its sweetness when cooked.
Garlic: Minced garlic provides aromatic notes that elevate the dish.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient contributes to the creamy texture and richness.
Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor while helping to cook the pasta.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives the dish a gooey, cheesy finish.
Sour Cream: Provides a tangy contrast and extra creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add Ground Beef: Increase heat to medium-high, then add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Pasta Time: Stir in shell pasta along with beef broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low cover partially, simmering until pasta is al dente.
Create Creaminess: Once pasta is cooked, stir in cream cheese until melted. Mix well to combine with beef mixture for a creamy consistency.
Add Cheese & Sour Cream: Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring until everything is well incorporated.
Serve & Enjoy: Taste for seasoning adjustments then serve hot garnished with additional cheese or herbs as desired.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for Dinner

Expert Tips

If you’re aiming for perfection with this Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe, here are some expert tips: Add extra veggies, such as spinach or bell peppers, during the sautéing step to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor. You can also use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for varied taste profiles. For added depth, simmer longer, allowing flavors to meld beautifully before serving. Finally, dressing up your plate, such as garnishing with fresh herbs or crushed red pepper flakes can enhance presentation significantly!

Presentation Ideas

This Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe not only tastes great but can also be beautifully presented on your dinner table. Consider serving it in individual bowls topped with freshly chopped parsley or chives for color contrast. You might also sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top just before serving for an inviting melted look. Pair it with garlic bread on the side and a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette; this will create a well-rounded meal that’s visually appealing too!

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat?

Certainly! This recipe works well with ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for leaner options. You could even substitute sausage for added spice and flavor complexity; just be mindful of cooking times based on meat type used!

This recipe seems rich; can I lighten it up?

If you’re looking to lighten things up slightly without sacrificing taste too much, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream! Additionally, using whole wheat pasta may provide more fiber while still being delicious.

I don’t have beef broth; can I substitute it?

No problem! If you don’t have beef broth handy at home but want similar results—chicken broth would work fine as an alternative! Alternatively combine water along with soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor while maintaining moisture levels needed during cooking process!

How should I store leftovers?

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container once cooled down properly after cooking! They’ll keep well in your refrigerator for about three days. To reheat simply microwave until warmed through; adding splash more liquid helps maintain creaminess when reheating!

This looks great! Can I double this recipe?

You absolutely can double this Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe! Just ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate everything or use two pans simultaneously if necessary—just remember cooking times may vary slightly based on volume cooked at once!

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