🥘 Creamy Beef and Shells
Creamy Beef and Shells is a hearty, comforting pasta dish that combines tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy tomato cream sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, requiring simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. The creamy sauce coats every shell, while the savory beef and melted cheese make each bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular favorite.
📝 Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces (340 g) medium pasta shells
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Full Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the shells and set them aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Season the beef with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir the tomato paste into the beef mixture and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and gently toss until every shell is coated with the creamy beef sauce.
Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the flavors.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon the creamy beef and shells into serving bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This comforting pasta pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic butter green beans
💡 Tips for the Best Creamy Beef and Shells
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become soft when mixed with the sauce.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.
⏱️ Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is rich, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor. With tender pasta, seasoned beef, and a velvety cream sauce, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week and a meal the whole family will ask for again and again. 🍝🧀🥩