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Best Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Name: Best Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 290 g
Ingredients: medium pasta shells 3 cups; ground beef 1 lb; yellow onion 1 pieces; garlic cloves 3 cloves; cheddar cheese 1 cup; cream cheese 4 oz; whole milk 1 cup; salt 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; Italian seasoning 1 tsp; paprika 0.5 tsp

Creamy beef and shells combines seasoned ground beef with pasta in a velvety cheese sauce for the ultimate one-pot comfort food. This protein-packed family dinner comes together in under 25 minutes.

Cook 25 min Difficulty EASY 485 kcal

#high protein #comfort food #quick dinner #one pot

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

medium pasta shells 3 cups
ground beef 1 lb
yellow onion 1 pieces
garlic cloves 3 cloves
cheddar cheese 1 cup
cream cheese 4 oz
whole milk 1 cup

Seasonings/Sauce

salt 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
Italian seasoning 1 tsp
paprika 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 37 g 31%

Protein 24 g 20%

Fat 23 g 43%

Serving size 290g

Cooking steps

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, then cook pasta shells until just al dente; drain and reserve.
2

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef; sauté 2–3 minutes until onions turn soft and fragrant.
4

Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then add milk and cheddar cheese, mixing gently until a smooth cheese sauce forms.
5

Return pasta shells to the pan. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine and simmer 2–3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and sauce thicken. Serve hot.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

Ground beef is the central component in creamy beef and shells, providing hearty flavor and a protein-rich base. Combined with tender pasta shells and a blend of cheddar and cream cheese, it defines the dish's signature comfort and texture.

Q. How do you ensure the cheese sauce stays creamy and smooth?

Reduce the heat to medium-low before adding cream cheese, milk, and cheddar. Stir until fully melted and only then return the pasta. This prevents the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy, thanks to gentle heat control.

Q. What can cause the pasta to become mushy?

Overcooking the pasta shells or simmering them too long after adding them to the sauce can make them mushy. Cooking the shells just until al dente and briefly simmering after combining with the sauce helps preserve ideal texture.

Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?

Each serving of creamy beef and shells contains approximately 485 kcal and delivers 24g of protein, making it a protein-packed meal suitable for family dinners.

Q. What diet-friendly profiles does this recipe fit?

Creamy beef and shells is a high protein dish and ideal as quick comfort food. While not keto or vegetarian, its balance of carbs (31%), protein (20%), and fat (43%) suits those seeking a protein-rich, satisfying dinner.

Best Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

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