This creamy beef and shells recipe combines tender shell pasta with ground beef, tomato, spices and plenty of cheese. One bite and you’ll know why our family thinks it is the ultimate comfort food.
Need some more dinner inspiration? Hamburger casserole is loaded with ground beef, a rich sauce, and tender egg noodles! Mongolian Beef and ground beef stroganoff are also favorites.
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe:
Let’s be honest: the days are busy and sometimes getting a wholesome meal on the table for your family’s dinner can be challenging. I rely on an arsenal of favorite recipes that I know I can count on to get on the table fast without sacrificing taste.
This yummy idea fits the bill — it’s rich, hearty, and SO easy!
Our entire family is obsessed with this totally delicious and easy creamy beef and shells. My boys love the ultra-creamy texture. And I love how simple it is to make from scratch!
The tender pasta shells, with the cheesy, flavorful sauce and hearty ground beef make a pasta dish that is that is perfect for a homemade dinner on a busy night.
I bet you’ll have all these ingredients on hand — and you’ll only need one pot to make the magic happen for this dinner.
Ingredients need for Creamy Beef and Shells:
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 1 ½ cups
VARIATION: While I use ground beef a lot, you could also use ground chicken or ground turkey if you prefer.
Seasonings and Spices Needed:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain well.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until brown, about 3-5 minutes, crumbling the ground beef. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Add onion to the skillet, cook stirring frequently until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder, cook about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in pasta, beef, and heavy cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper and then stir in the cheese until melted.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I Have to Drain the Ground Beef for Creamy Beef and Shells?
If you use ground beef that has a higher fat content, then you will need to drain the grease from your ground beef after cooking. If you use lean ground beef, you shouldn’t have to drain the meat after cooking.
What Kind of Pasta Can I Use for Creamy Beef and Shells?
Our family loves shell pasta but you could use just about small pasta you have on hand. I often have penne, elbow macaroni, or rotini in my cupboard and all would work well in this dish. Just make sure when you cook the pasta, you could it to al dente so that it doesn't get soggy when you add it into the rest of your recipe.
How do you Store Creamy Beef and Shells?
In the Fridge: If you have leftovers, let it cool completely, and then store leftovers in an airtight container. It will last up to three days in the fridge. You can reheat on the stove or in the microwave. In the Freezer: This will last two-three months in the freezer, making it a great option for a freezer meal. Just make sure to store in a freezer-safe container and thaw completely before reheating.
I hope you’ll enjoy this creamy beef and shells with your family soon — I’m confident you’ll think it’s the ultimate comfort food with it’s rich, flavorful cheesy sauce!
More dinner Recipes with beef:
- Taco Bake
- Chili Recipe
- Goulash
- Lasagna Casserole
- Baked Spaghetti
- Meatloaf
- Baked Ziti Recipe
- Chili Mac and Cheese
- Instant Pot Beef Stew
Even More easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love:
- Chicken Casserole
- Tuna Casserole
- Crockpot Mac and Cheese
- Dirty Rice
- Bacon Mac and Cheese
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
- Homemade Pasta Sauce served over noodles of your choice!
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 ounces shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese about 1 ½ cups
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until brown, about 3-5 minutes, crumbling the ground beef. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Add onion to the skillet, cook stirring frequently until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika and mustard powder, cook about 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in pasta, beef and heavy cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in cheese until melted.
My family and I absolutely love this recipe and left overs are always great for school lunches.
Perfect weeknight dinner idea.
Wowww….sounds very delicious and nutritious.
Was absolutely delicious! Will definitely be making again.
Is heavy cream necessary?? Can I use milk instead??
It makes it nice and creamy and rich – I’m sure you could use milk in place!
this was so delicious! My family loved it, and it was so quick and easy to make! Definitely going in our favorites list!
Is it possible to use 16 oz of noodles instead of just 8? Would i have to double the liquids at all?
If you’re increasing noodles, I would suggest increasing the other ingredients as well so the consistency stays the same. I think otherwise it will be dry! Enjoy 🙂
Made this tonight. Turned out really good! I used cornstarch and water instead of flour and added steamed broccoli too. Super yummy!
very good! Thank you, my husband loved it and even took leftovers for lunch which is odd for him!
If I do not have any beef stock, what is an alternative that I could use instead?
You could substitute another broth or stock, like chicken or veggie. Enjoy!