Name: Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz medium pasta shells; 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara); ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon paprika (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; ½ cup beef broth or water; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar and mozzarella mix); 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional); Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

A comforting one-pot meal that combines tender pasta shells with seasoned ground beef in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying that comes together quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. The tender pasta shells cradle the savory meat sauce, making every bite delicious. It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. The creamy tomato sauce with melted cheese creates a velvety texture that coats each shell perfectly, while the beef provides satisfying protein. Best of all, it’s a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Medium pasta shells create perfect little pockets that catch and hold the creamy sauce in every bite. Their unique shape makes them ideal for this dish as they trap bits of beef and sauce, delivering maximum flavor with each forkful.
Ground beef provides the hearty, protein-rich foundation for this dish. Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for less fat, or stick with regular ground beef for more richness. You could substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Onion adds a sweet aromatic base that builds depth of flavor. The fine chop ensures it melds seamlessly into the sauce rather than standing out as a distinct texture.
Garlic contributes essential aromatic flavor that complements both the beef and tomato components. Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor, but pre-minced jarred garlic works in a pinch.
Tomato paste delivers concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Don’t skip this ingredient—it provides an intensity that regular tomato sauce alone cannot achieve.
Tomato sauce forms the base of the creamy sauce. Its tangy brightness balances the richness of the cream and cheese. You can use plain tomato sauce or marinara sauce depending on what you have on hand.
Italian seasoning provides a balanced blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that perfectly complement the tomato sauce. It’s a convenient way to add multiple flavors with a single ingredient.
Paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the dish. While optional, it adds another dimension of flavor that elevates the sauce.
Beef broth enhances the meaty flavor while adding necessary liquid to create a sauce. It creates a more flavorful base than plain water would.
Heavy cream transforms the tomato sauce into something luxuriously rich and velvety. It tempers the acidity of the tomatoes while adding indulgent creaminess.
Shredded cheese melts into the sauce, creating a gooey, comforting texture and adding savory depth. A cheddar and mozzarella mix offers both flavor and that desirable cheese-pull effect.
Sour cream adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the sauce. While optional, it contributes a pleasant complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Fresh herbs brighten the finished dish with color and fresh flavor, cutting through the richness of the creamy sauce.

Directions

Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
Add tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Reduce heat to low; stir in heavy cream and sour cream (if using). Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Add cooked pasta shells to the sauce; stir to coat evenly. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4-6 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner with potential leftovers. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, for a total time of 30 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 550 calories, providing a substantial and satisfying meal.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach when cooking the onions for added nutrition and color.
Spicy Beef and Shells: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat lovers. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish.
Mexican-Inspired: Substitute taco seasoning for the Italian seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, and garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a south-of-the-border twist.
Lighter Option: Use ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version with less fat and more fiber.
Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of additional cheese on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden for an even more indulgent dish.
Italian Sausage Variation: Replace half or all of the ground beef with Italian sausage for an extra flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover creamy beef and shells pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Option: While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating on Stovetop: For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to revitalize the sauce as it may thicken in the refrigerator.
Microwave Reheating: For quick reheating, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel at 70% power, stirring halfway through, until heated to your desired temperature (usually 1-2 minutes).
Freshening Up Leftovers: When reheating, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top and garnishing with new herbs to refresh the dish’s appearance and flavor.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute other short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini. The key is using a shape that will capture the creamy sauce. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which won’t hold the sauce as effectively as shells.

How can I make this recipe lighter or lower in calories?

To reduce calories, use lean ground beef (90/10) or ground turkey, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, use reduced-fat cheese, and increase the proportion of vegetables. You could also use whole grain pasta for added fiber.

My sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it out?

If your sauce is too thick, gradually add small amounts of beef broth, milk, or pasta water while stirring until you reach your desired consistency. Add liquid a tablespoon at a time to avoid making the sauce too thin.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for 1-2 days. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve, then combine with the reheated sauce. Add a splash of cream when reheating to refresh the sauce.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened non-dairy creamer. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip the sour cream. The flavor profile will change slightly but will still be delicious.

My family doesn’t like spicy food. Can I omit the paprika?

Absolutely. The paprika in this recipe is optional and primarily adds color and a very mild warmth, not spiciness. You can omit it entirely without significantly affecting the overall flavor of the dish.

What side dishes pair well with Creamy Beef and Shells?

This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with light sides like a simple green salad with vinaigrette, steamed or roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a side of fresh fruit to balance the richness of the main dish.

Can I add vegetables to make this a complete one-pot meal?

Yes! Consider adding finely diced carrots and celery with the onions, or stir in spinach, peas, or diced zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. This will add nutrition and color to the dish while keeping it a convenient one-pot meal.

Why did my cheese sauce turn out grainy instead of smooth?

Grainy cheese sauce usually results from heating too quickly or using pre-shredded cheese (which contains anti-caking agents). For smooth sauce, use freshly shredded cheese, reduce heat to low before adding cheese, and stir constantly as it melts.

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey works well as a substitute for beef. Since these meats are leaner, you might want to add a little olive oil when browning them. The flavor will be milder, so you may want to increase seasonings slightly.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta brings together simple ingredients to create a truly satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving comfort food. The combination of tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and rich, cheesy sauce creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s versatile enough to customize based on your family’s preferences, whether adding vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or experimenting with different cheeses. With its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Make it once, and you’ll understand why this hearty, creamy pasta dish has become a beloved classic in so many homes.

Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta