Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, family-friendly pasta dish that combines tender ground beef with a rich, cheesy tomato-cream sauce, all tossed with shell pasta. It’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy texture and savory flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

medium pasta shellsground beefoniongarlicclovesbeef brothtomato sauceheavy creamcheddar cheeseflourolive oilsaltpepperItalian seasoningpaprika

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir until combined. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Lower the heat and add heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy.

Add cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15-20 minutesTotal time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add baby spinach or peas for a veggie boost.

Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a spicy pepper jack cheese.

Top with breadcrumbs and broil for a crispy finish.

Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

storage/reheating

Store Creamy Beef and Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.Freezing is not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini also work well in this dish.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dish and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce will be less rich.

How do I thicken the sauce?

The flour helps thicken it. If it’s still too thin, simmer a bit longer.

Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely—add crushed red pepper, hot sauce, or use spicy sausage instead of ground beef.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s creamy, cheesy, and not too spicy—perfect for kids.

How can I add more flavor?

Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the beef.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but you can experiment with your favorites.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or pot and adjust seasoning to taste.

Does it work as leftovers?

Yes, it’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate cozy meal—quick, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy comfort food fix, this one-pan pasta is a go-to you’ll want to make again and again.