Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering creamy beef and shells recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender ground beef mingles with perfectly cooked pasta shells, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Each forkful delivers a creamy, cheesy experience that melts in your mouth.

The combination of savory beef and velvety sauce creates an irresistible harmony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks will love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal ingredients.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when only ultimate comfort food will do.

Creamy Beef and Shells: Best Qualities

• Speed Up Dinner: Whip up this hearty meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Transform classic beef and shells into a creamy, nutritious dish that satisfies comfort food cravings with a healthier twist by adding spinach and Greek yogurt.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that combines protein, pasta, and veggies in one delicious, easy-to-make meal.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with kid-friendly flavors and sneaky greens, this recipe appeals to all ages while delivering a nutritious and tasty dinner solution.

What Goes into Creamy Beef and Shells

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this creamy pasta dish.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Onions, Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients create a rich, complex flavor profile that enhances the meat and pasta.

• Shells Pasta: Provides a perfect shape for catching the creamy sauce.
• Tomato Paste, Broth: Add depth and moisture to create a cohesive sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, creamy element to the dish.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and a fresh green color.
• Greek Yogurt: Provides a tangy, creamy finish to the recipe.

Directions for Beefy, Creamy Pasta Shells

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Let it cook and dance around the pan for 4-5 minutes until no pink remains.

Carefully drain away any excess fat that has pooled in the skillet.

Step 2: Build Layers of Flavor

• Worcestershire sauce
• Diced onions
• Half of the Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer until onions become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Introduce Pasta and Liquids

• Tomato paste
• Pasta shells
• Broth
• Remaining Italian seasoning

Ensure the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid, creating a cozy bath for the shells.

Step 4: Gentle Simmering

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low.

Let the pasta cook for 10-15 minutes, giving an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Wait until the shells become tender and have absorbed the delicious broth.

Step 5: Melt and Wilt

Sprinkle in cheddar cheese and fresh spinach.

Stir gently until the cheese melts into a luxurious sauce and the spinach wilts into soft, green ribbons.

Step 6: Creamy Finishing Touch

Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes.

Fold in room temperature Greek yogurt, creating a tangy, creamy finale that brings all the flavors together.

Tips for Rich, Comforting Beef Pasta

• Use a colander to remove excess grease from ground beef, preventing a greasy dish and reducing unnecessary calories.
• Bloom spices like paprika and garlic powder in hot oil before adding meat to intensify their aromatic qualities and deepen overall taste.
• Ensure shells are completely submerged in liquid while cooking to guarantee even, tender pasta without dry or undercooked spots.
• Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutrient profiles and slightly varied texture without compromising the creamy consistency.
• Temper Greek yogurt by adding a small amount of hot liquid before stirring into the dish to prevent curdling and maintain smooth texture.

New Takes on Classic Beef and Shells

• Vegetarian Shells: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta shells with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese and coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt for lactose-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning to create a zesty southwestern-style dish.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells for Family

• Pasta Night Perfection: Serve this comforting dish with fresh, zesty sides that complement its rich flavors.
• Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy beef shells' richness.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Slice crusty French bread, brush with garlic butter, and toast until golden for a crunchy side that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Pour a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel to enhance the smoky, savory notes of the dish.

Storing Creamy Beef Pasta for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• When reheating, add the Greek yogurt after warming to maintain its creamy texture and prevent curdling.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Shell pasta is ideal because its curved shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly, allowing each bite to be flavorful and rich with beef and cheese.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that will work well with the same seasonings and cooking method in this recipe.

• Is Greek yogurt necessary for the recipe?

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess at the end, but if unavailable, you can substitute sour cream or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild spice from smoked paprika and seasonings. If you prefer more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.

Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Rich, cheesy Creamy Beef and Shells combine comforting pasta with savory ground beef in a velvety sauce that promises pure indulgence. Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you bring this hearty classic to the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Pasta:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef or turkey
• 6 ounces (170 grams) shell pasta

Seasonings & Aromatics:

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced onions

Sauce & Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups (710 milliliters) broth
• 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach
• 2 cups (226 grams) grated cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) plain Greek yogurt, room temperature

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and sauté ground beef for 4-5 minutes, ensuring complete browning and removing any excess grease.
2. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, diced onions, half the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce tomato paste, pasta shells, and broth, ensuring complete liquid coverage of the pasta. Sprinkle remaining Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor profile.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Gently stir periodically to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese and fresh spinach, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and spinach wilts into the creamy mixture.
6. Remove skillet from heat and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Gently fold in room temperature Greek yogurt, creating a silky, tangy finish.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
• Replace traditional shells with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary accommodations and enhanced nutritional value.
• Fresh spinach works best when added at the end, preserving its vibrant color and preventing overcooking.
• Room temperature Greek yogurt helps prevent curdling and ensures smooth, creamy texture when stirred into the final dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg