Creamy Beef and Shells is a fast, family-friendly dinner that brings together tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy tomato-cream sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Whether scooped straight from the skillet or dressed up with crusty bread, this dish is beloved for its creamy texture, bold flavor, and simple prep.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ medium sweet onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef stock

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 ½ cups)

Directions

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3–5 minutes, crumbling as it browns. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent.

4. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute until lightly browned.

6. Gradually add the beef stock and tomato sauce, whisking to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Return the pasta and cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

8. Add the shredded cheddar and stir until melted and fully combined.

9. Serve immediately, optionally with crusty bread for dipping.

Nutrients (estimated per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~620

• Protein: ~28g

• Fat: ~38g

• Carbohydrates: ~40g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sugar: ~6g

• Sodium: ~700mg

What Makes Creamy Beef and Shells So Irresistible

At its core, this dish delivers the ultimate in creamy, cheesy satisfaction. The beef is seasoned with aromatic Italian herbs, then combined with sautéed onions and garlic for depth. The sauce comes together with a base of tomato and beef stock thickened slightly with flour, and finished off with luscious heavy cream and plenty of extra-sharp cheddar cheese. The sauce clings beautifully to the curved shells, ensuring each forkful is packed with flavor.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to create a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge—pasta shells, tomato sauce, ground beef, a splash of cream, and your favorite cheddar. This is comfort food made accessible, affordable, and totally family-approved. It’s also highly customizable, which means you can easily make it your own.

Why This Recipe Works for Families

If you’re feeding picky eaters or trying to satisfy a crowd, this is a dish that delivers. Kids love the cheesy, meaty sauce and fun pasta shape, while adults appreciate the heartiness and flavor complexity. It’s filling enough to stand alone, but also works well with side dishes like garlic bread, salad, or steamed veggies. Plus, the one-pan nature of the recipe means fewer dishes to wash—which is always a win.

Weeknight Dinner Made Easy

When you’ve got just 40 minutes to get dinner on the table, Creamy Beef and Shells comes to the rescue. The pasta cooks while the sauce is simmering, and everything comes together seamlessly in a single skillet. With a few basic steps and a bit of stirring, you’re rewarded with a satisfying, homemade meal that tastes like it took hours to make. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights, meal prep sessions, or last-minute guests.

A Versatile Base for Variations

What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Want to sneak in more veggies? Try adding spinach, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the simmering stage. Craving a bit more spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef. You can also experiment with cheeses—mozzarella, Parmesan, or even cream cheese can enhance the flavor in unique ways.

Nutrition and Comfort in One Bowl

Each serving of Creamy Beef and Shells delivers about 620 calories, making it a hearty yet manageable choice for a complete meal. With 28 grams of protein and 40 grams of carbohydrates, it offers the energy and sustenance needed to keep you going. Thanks to ingredients like onions, garlic, and tomato sauce, you also get a bonus of antioxidants and essential nutrients, even in a decadent dish like this.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This pasta dish holds up beautifully as leftovers, making it great for meal planning. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce and avoid dryness. You can also freeze it—just allow it to cool completely before sealing and storing in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Best Pairings and Serving Ideas

Creamy Beef and Shells is comforting enough to be served alone, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions. Try pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette for contrast, or serve with roasted broccoli for a balanced plate. Crusty garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick for soaking up that decadent sauce. For beverages, a glass of red wine like Merlot or a fizzy sparkling water makes a great complement.

Why You’ll Make This Again and Again

This recipe ticks all the boxes for what makes a meal worth repeating: fast prep, familiar flavors, satisfying portions, and minimal cleanup. It’s endlessly adaptable and always comforting, making it a go-to favorite for anyone who loves pasta and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, meal-prepping lunches, or just want something warm and filling at the end of the day, Creamy Beef and Shells is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Shells is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With its silky sauce, savory beef, and gooey cheddar cheese, it offers everything you want in a comfort meal. It’s a practical recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward cooking steps. Whether you’re feeding a full house or cooking for one, this dish promises to bring smiles, full stomachs, and maybe even a few second helpings. Keep this recipe on repeat—you’ll be glad you did.