Name: Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces medium pasta shells; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; ½ medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef stock; 15 ounce can tomato sauce; ¾ cup heavy cream; 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1½ cups); Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that transforms everyday ingredients like ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a luscious cream sauce into a rich and satisfying dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes with its creamy texture, savory depth, and cheesy finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black frying pan filled with cooked ground meat, mostly brown in color with some small pinkish spots. The texture of the meat is crumbly and evenly spread across the pan. In the pan, there is a wooden spoon with a rounded end resting on the left side, partially covered by the meat. The pan is set on a white marbled surface, with parts of white bowls and white spoons partially seen at the top edges. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just a handful of well-chosen ingredients makes this Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe incredibly approachable, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that signature creamy finish.

8 ounces medium pasta shells: These little shells catch the sauce perfectly for every bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that creates a meaty, satisfying foundation.
½ medium onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant boost that elevates every flavor.
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses this dish with warmth and classic Italian notes.
1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and a pop of color.
½ teaspoon mustard powder: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the overall richness.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
2 cups beef stock: Provides a savory, beefy foundation for the sauce.
15-ounce can tomato sauce: Brings acidity and rich tomato flavor to balance the cream.
¾ cup heavy cream: The key to making the sauce irresistibly smooth and indulgent.
6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1½ cups): Melts into the sauce for that perfect cheesy finish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors harmoniously.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the medium pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente so they still have a little bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure it’s well-drained so the sauce doesn’t get watery.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy, then transfer the beef to a bowl and set it aside for now.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent and tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder. Let this fragrant mixture cook for another minute to bring out the full flavors.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Whisk in the flour to the onion and seasoning mixture, letting it cook about one minute so it lightly browns and loses its raw taste. Gradually stir in the beef stock and tomato sauce, increasing the heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and stir in the cooked pasta shells along with the heavy cream. Stir everything gently but thoroughly and let it heat through so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese and Season

Finally, stir in the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese until it melts entirely, creating a rich, gooey texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then give it one last stir before serving warm and indulging in every creamy, cheesy bite.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

A close-up of a silver fork holding a single large yellow pasta shell stuffed with a creamy orange sauce mixed with small chunks of a darker meat and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The pasta shell is shiny and smooth, covered in the thick sauce. The background shows a blurred pan filled with more pasta shells in the same sauce on a white marbled surface. The overall focus is on the rich texture of the pasta and sauce on the fork, with warm colors and soft lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh contrast and burst of color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving. A little extra shredded cheddar or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a tasty, inviting touch.

Side Dishes

This creamy, flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic breadsticks. Crisp steamed broccoli or a tangy cucumber salad also offer a refreshing balance to the richness of the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe in individual ramekins for a cozy, personalized meal presentation. Alternatively, layer it in a baking dish topped with extra cheese and bake briefly for a bubbly, golden crust that’s irresistible and fun to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce, so giving it a quick stir with a splash of milk or broth when reheating brings back its creamy goodness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef stock, milk, or cream as needed to loosen the sauce and keep that luscious, creamy texture alive.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While medium shells are ideal for holding the sauce, other small or medium-sized pastas like rotini, elbow macaroni, or orecchiette will work beautifully as well.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any unsweetened non-dairy cream alternative, and replace the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese to keep it creamy without the dairy.

Can ground turkey be used instead of ground beef?

Definitely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just be mindful the flavor will be milder, so consider adjusting seasonings to taste.

What can I add to make this recipe spicier?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce when adding spices, or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic to give it a nice kick.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer uncovered to reduce more. For a thinner sauce, add extra beef stock or a splash of milk or cream when stirring everything together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s quick to whip up and sure to impress, please give this Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe a try. It’s a wonderful blend of simple ingredients that come together to make something truly special and comforting. I promise it will become one of your go-to dinners whenever you need something delicious and hassle-free.