Creamy Beef and Shells

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is the definition of comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce creates a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal is easy to make and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner fix or something to warm you up on a chilly evening, this pasta dish delivers in both taste and texture. The blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a creamy, velvety consistency, while the beef adds a hearty, savory depth. Garnished with fresh parsley, this meal is as beautiful as it is delicious!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

12 oz medium pasta shells
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute.
Mix in the tomato paste, then pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, letting it blend into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta shells and stir to coat.
Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 525 kcal per serving | Servings: 4

Creamy Beef and Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food

When it comes to hearty, satisfying meals, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of Creamy Beef and Shells. This dish is the perfect blend of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce that coats every bite. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights because it’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor from the comfort of your kitchen.

This dish is reminiscent of a homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper but with fresher ingredients and a much richer taste. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a velvety, creamy texture, while the beef provides a deep, satisfying umami flavor. With just one pan and 30 minutes, you can have a comforting and indulgent meal that the whole family will love.

Why This Recipe is So Popular

There are many reasons why Creamy Beef and Shells has become a household favorite. It checks all the boxes for a perfect dinner recipe—quick, easy, affordable, and incredibly delicious.

Easy to Make: This meal comes together in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash and less cleanup after dinner.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this pasta. It’s a great way to make dinner stress-free and enjoyable.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and pasta are affordable staples, making this an economical meal without sacrificing flavor.
Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful beef makes it the ultimate cozy meal.

Best Type of Pasta for This Dish

Pasta shape plays an important role in the texture and overall experience of this dish. Medium-sized pasta shells are the ideal choice because they hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. However, if you don’t have shells on hand, here are some great alternatives:

Rotini: Its spiral shape traps the sauce beautifully.
Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta): Adds a bit of texture and holds up well in the dish.
Penne: The hollow tubes fill with sauce, making each bite extra creamy.
Elbow Macaroni: A classic choice that gives a nostalgic, mac-and-cheese feel.

How to Make It Extra Flavorful

The key to making Creamy Beef and Shells stand out is to enhance the flavors at every step. Here are a few pro tips to elevate your dish:

Season the beef well: Adding Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic creates a depth of flavor that makes the dish taste like it has been simmering for hours.
Use high-quality cheese: Freshly grated cheddar and Parmesan will melt better and provide a richer taste than pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t skip the tomato paste: This small ingredient adds a concentrated burst of umami and sweetness that balances out the richness of the cream and cheese.
Simmer the sauce: Allowing the sauce to cook for a few minutes before adding the pasta helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily modify it based on what you have in your kitchen or dietary preferences.

Meat Substitutions: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Pasta Alternatives: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, use zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or chickpea pasta.
Cheese Options: Experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a slightly different cheesy finish.
Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, Creamy Beef and Shells stores well and can be enjoyed the next day without losing its creamy texture.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but since it contains cream and cheese, the texture may slightly change upon thawing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

What to Serve With Creamy Beef and Shells

This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal even further.

Garlic Bread: The perfect way to soak up any leftover sauce.
Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a nutritious touch.
Steamed Green Beans: A simple yet delicious side that complements the creamy pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe is one of those meals that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, Creamy Beef and Shells is an effortless way to serve a homemade dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The balance of textures, the rich and savory sauce, and the simple cooking process make this recipe a must-try for any pasta lover.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food classic—easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying. Its creamy, cheesy sauce, combined with seasoned beef and tender pasta, makes it a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or even meal prep for the week, this dish is versatile, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit. Try it once, and it’s sure to become one of your go-to pasta recipes!

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