Dinner

Comforting Beef and Shells Recipe

ByZoe Lane October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

Introduction

This Comforting Beef and Shells recipe is a hearty and creamy pasta dish perfect for a cozy meal. Combining tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted sharp cheddar, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make.

A close-up of a dish showing three main layers: at the bottom, white shell pasta with smooth, curved ridges; in the middle, a thick, brown meat sauce with soft, crumbly texture sitting between and on top of the pasta; sprinkled all over as the top layer, small bits of fresh green parsley adding color contrast. The whole dish looks creamy and richly coated with sauce, on a white marbled surface in soft light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz medium shell pasta
Water, for boiling
Salt, for boiling water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp Italian herbs
1 tsp sweet paprika
1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
2 tbsp plain flour
2 cups beef broth
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
Salt and ground pepper, as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the medium shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once al dente, drain thoroughly and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling with a spoon, until fully browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until translucent and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, Italian herbs, sweet paprika, and dry mustard powder, cooking for another minute to release aromas.
Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and spice mixture and whisk it in. Cook for about 1 minute to lightly toast the flour and absorb flavors.
Step 5: Gradually whisk in beef broth and tomato sauce until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Stir occasionally and let the sauce thicken for 6 to 8 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, and heavy whipping cream to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until heated through, creating a rich, velvety sauce.
Step 7: Reduce heat to low and sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar over the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, finish with freshly cracked black pepper on top before serving.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a gooier sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.