Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where hearty pasta meets velvety comfort. Creamy Beef and Shells simmers browned ground beef with tender shell pasta in a rich tomato-cream sauce finished with melty cheddar for ultimate weeknight satisfaction. Perfect for busy evenings, family dinners, or cozy pasta cravings.

One-skillet recipe ready in 30 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

• Shell pasta traps creamy sauce perfectly.
• Tomato sauce and cream balance savory richness.
• Italian seasoning delivers bold flavor fast.
• Cheddar melts into stretchy perfection.
• Single pan means minimal cleanup.

Ingredients & Prep

• 8 oz medium shell pasta
• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 93/7)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook shell pasta al dente according to package; drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high. Brown ground beef 5-6 minutes, breaking apart. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder, and flour; cook 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in beef broth and tomato sauce. Bring to simmer; cook 6-8 minutes until thickened.
6. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Add cooked pasta; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Refrigerate covered up to 4 days. Reheat in skillet with splash of broth. Freezes up to 2 months.

FAQs

Sauce too thick? Add pasta water or extra broth.
Cheese not melting? Use freshly shredded block cheese.
Make ahead? Prepare sauce; cook pasta fresh before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Shells delivers cheesy, comforting pasta perfection with effortless one-pan ease. Rich, satisfying, and family-favorite every time. Find more skillet pasta at dishfoody.com.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Print Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting beef and pasta shells simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce. A family-friendly weeknight dinner that’s ready fast and always satisfying.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz medium pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (or mozzarella)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• 1. Cook pasta shells in salted water according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• 3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
• 4. Stir in onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook 2–3 minutes.
• 5. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.
• 6. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, then simmer 5–7 minutes.
• 7. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream.
• 8. Add cooked pasta shells and shredded cheese; stir until melted and creamy.
• 9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Add spinach or peas for extra veggies.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Creamy Beef and Shells, cheesy pasta shells, ground beef pasta