If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, you are absolutely going to love this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of tender pasta shells enveloped in a luscious, savory sauce loaded with browned ground beef, rich tomato, and a dreamy swirl of heavy cream. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor, from the zing of Italian seasoning to the sharp kick of melted cheddar cheese, making it an easy weeknight winner that quickly becomes a family favorite.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing complicated here—just simple, straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a dish packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Every element plays a key role, whether it’s that al dente pasta shell holding all the goodness or the creamy sauce that brings everything into glorious harmony.

8 ounces medium pasta shells: The perfect shape to scoop up the creamy beef sauce in every comforting bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and develop rich, savory notes.
1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and texture, the star protein of the dish.
1/2 medium sweet onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth once softened.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth to the sauce.
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean herbs and a hint of earthiness.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
2 cups beef stock: A rich and flavorful base that enhances the beefy taste.
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds vibrant color and a balanced tang to the creaminess.
3/4 cup heavy cream: The secret ingredient that makes this dish irresistibly silky and rich.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors alive.
6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully into the sauce for a bold, cheesy finish.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking those medium pasta shells according to the package instructions. This ensures your shells stay perfectly tender but not mushy, ready to cradle that luscious sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat up the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it apart until it’s nicely browned and caramelized, about 3-5 minutes. Drain any excess fat so your Creamy Beef and Shells stays rich without being greasy. Set the beef aside for now.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Into the same skillet, toss your diced onion and cook, stirring often, until the edges become translucent and soft—usually around 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds a sweet, mellow base for your sauce that’s absolutely essential.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Next, stir in minced garlic and your Italian seasoning blend. Cook just until fragrant, about a minute, so those herbs and garlic infuse every bite without turning bitter.

Step 5: Create the Roux

Sprinkle in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the mixture turns a light golden color, about a minute. This is your roux, which will thicken the sauce and give it that dreamy creaminess that defines the dish.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Slowly pour in beef stock while whisking to prevent lumps, then add the tomato sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil before lowering the heat and simmering it down until it reduces and thickens—about 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll start to see that thick, saucy texture we’re aiming for in this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe.

Step 7: Combine Pasta, Beef, and Cream

Stir the cooked pasta and browned beef right back into the skillet with your rich sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is heated through and gorgeously combined, roughly 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste before melting in the sharp cheddar cheese for a perfectly cheesy finish.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

This dish is at its absolute best hot and fresh, so dig in as soon as that cheese melts and the sauce clings beautifully to every tender shell.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top to brighten the rich, creamy flavors with a fresh, herbal note. A grating of extra sharp cheddar can also add that lovely melty cheese texture if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

Pair your Creamy Beef and Shells with something green to balance the richness—think a crisp garden salad or some garlicky sautéed spinach. Roasted vegetables or crusty bread also make wonderful companions to scoop up every last bit of the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish in hollowed-out bell peppers or alongside a baked potato for an extra hearty meal. You could even spoon it over creamy polenta for a comforting, layered dinner everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Creamy Beef and Shells, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, maintaining that creamy texture and robust flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it a great meal prep option. Freeze in portion-sized containers, and it will stay good for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to preserve taste and consistency.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or beef stock to bring back that luscious creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Creamy Beef and Shells?

Absolutely! While medium pasta shells are ideal for holding the sauce, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, penne, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain the perfect al dente texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though it will be slightly less rich. Using lean ground beef also helps reduce fat without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make Creamy Beef and Shells vegetarian?

Sure! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version that still delivers on heartiness and creaminess.

What type of cheese works best?

Extra-sharp cheddar is fantastic for that bold, tangy cheese flavor melting into the sauce. Feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a milder, gooier effect or a blend of cheeses for extra depth.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot to ensure even cooking. It’s a great way to feed family and friends with minimal extra effort.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a warm bowl of Creamy Beef and Shells. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe will quickly become one you reach for again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty pasta dish that combines tender medium pasta shells with a rich mixture of ground beef, sweet onions, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. Infused with Italian seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the medium pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling the beef as it cooks, for about 3-5 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning into the onions; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Create Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until lightly browned and incorporated, about 1 minute.
Make Sauce: Gradually whisk in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
Combine and Heat Through: Stir in the cooked pasta, browned beef, and heavy cream until everything is heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined, about 2 minutes.
Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar cheese for a deeper, more pronounced flavor, or substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour substitutes.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
Adding fresh basil or parsley as a garnish can enhance the flavor and presentation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling and Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, creamy shells and beef, easy beef pasta recipe, cheesy beef shells, weeknight dinner, one-pot pasta dish