Creamy Beef and Shells

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There’s nothing quite like the rich comfort of creamy beef and shells on a busy weeknight. This cozy dish blends tender pasta shells with a luscious, savory sauce that wraps around seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and most importantly—easy enough for anyone to make.

Creamy beef and shells has a nostalgic feel that takes you back to family dinners at home. It’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. If you’re craving a dish that delivers warmth in every bite without spending hours in the kitchen, this one is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor in every forkful. This recipe is great for meal prep, picky eaters, and nights when you need dinner ready in under 30 minutes. The ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and the results taste like something you’d expect from a cozy diner.

The best part? It reheats beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers the next day. Pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Creamy Beef and Shells?

Small shell pasta is classic for this dish because the sauce gets caught inside each shell, making every bite creamy and flavorful. But if you don’t have shells on hand, elbow macaroni or rotini can work just as well. Just make sure the pasta shape has enough nooks and curves to hold onto the sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Beef and Shells

To make this creamy beef and shells dish, you’ll need simple staples that combine into something truly comforting. You might already have most of these on hand.

Ground beef is the star protein, adding flavor and heartiness to the meal.

Medium pasta shells are perfect for trapping all that creamy, cheesy sauce.

Yellow onion brings a bit of sweetness and depth to the beef.

Garlic cloves give the sauce a delicious aromatic base.

Beef broth adds savory depth to the sauce and helps meld the flavors together.

Tomato paste delivers richness and a slight tang, cutting through the creaminess.

Heavy cream makes the dish velvety and indulgent.

Cheddar cheese adds sharpness and gooeyness that ties it all together.

Salt and black pepper round out the seasoning and bring balance.

How To Make the Creamy Beef and Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Saute the Aromatics

Add diced onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can develop.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta shells to the creamy beef mixture. Stir until the shells are well coated. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Beef and Shells

This recipe makes about 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep lunches. Serve it piping hot straight from the stove, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese on top.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With Creamy Beef and Shells?

Garlic Bread

The ultimate pasta sidekick. Toasted with butter and garlic, it’s perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a crisp, earthy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons bring balance to the meal.

Steamed Green Beans

Lightly seasoned green beans keep things simple and fresh.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy, these bring a fun twist to your plate.

Parmesan Zucchini Chips

A crisp and cheesy side that complements the pasta perfectly.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella bring freshness that cuts through the creaminess.

Lemon Butter Asparagus

Bright and citrusy, asparagus pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.

Want More Comfort Food Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this creamy beef and shells recipe, check out these other crave-worthy dishes:

• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add mushrooms or maybe swap cheddar for pepper jack? I’m always excited to hear your variations.

Explore beautifully curated dinner favorites and comfort meals over on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover new ideas to bring to your table!

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