If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly dinner, this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is about to become your new favorite! Made with ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich tomato-cream sauce infused with Mexican spices, it’s a comfort food classic that brings flavor and warmth to the table in just 30 minutes.
This dish is hearty enough for weeknights yet comforting enough for weekends. With the perfect balance of savory beef, aromatic seasonings, and creamy tomato goodness, every bite feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
🧾 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful one-pan meal:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sazón Perfecta seasoning, to taste
- 2 cups small pasta shells (or your favorite small pasta)
- ¼ cup oil
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Knorr granulated chicken stock
- 4 tablespoons Knorr granulated tomato stock
- 3 serrano pepper cubes (or fresh diced serranos for extra spice)
- ½ onion, sliced
- 1 packet Rutilé (tomato sauce or diced tomato mix)
- A handful of fresh cilantro (coriander)
- Garlic and onion powder, to taste
- 2 packets Sazón Rojo (red seasoning mix)
- 1 bay leaf
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink.
Add in the minced garlic, black pepper, and Sazón Perfecta seasoning. Stir well to combine. Once browned, drain excess fat and set the meat aside.
Step 2: Toast the Pasta
In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat ¼ cup of oil over medium heat. Add the pasta shells and brown them lightly — just as you would when making Mexican rice.
This step gives the pasta a toasty, nutty flavor and helps prevent it from getting mushy later.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Add the cooked ground beef to the toasted pasta. Pour in 4 cups of water, then mix in:
- Knorr chicken and tomato stock
- Serrano pepper cubes
- Sliced onion
- Rutilé (tomato mix)
- Cilantro
- Sazón Rojo packets
- Bay leaf
- A dash of garlic and onion powder
Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook Until Creamy
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer until the pasta is soft and fully cooked, about 15–20 minutes.
The sauce will thicken and become rich and creamy as the pasta absorbs all that delicious flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the bay leaf and give everything a good stir. Garnish with a few fresh cilantro leaves on top for color and freshness.
Serve hot and enjoy this easy, creamy Mexican-style pasta with ground beef — it’s perfect for busy nights when you need something comforting, filling, and packed with flavor. 🌶️🍝
💡 Tips for the Best Creamy Beef and Shells
- Adjust the spice: Add more serrano peppers if you like extra heat.
- Make it creamier: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving for a smooth, velvety texture.
- Use leftover pasta: This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ready in just 30 minutes
✅ One-pan clean-up
✅ Budget-friendly and family-approved
✅ Bold, creamy, and perfectly spiced
🌯 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is everything a weeknight dinner should be — fast, flavorful, and completely satisfying. With its rich sauce, hearty ground beef, and warm Mexican-inspired seasonings, it’s comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.
Serve it with warm tortillas or a side of crusty bread, and dinner is done!
