If you are craving a comforting, rich dish that combines tender pasta with a luscious, savory sauce, you are going to love this Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe. The blend of juicy ground beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta shells coated in a velvety tomato and cream sauce creates a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a dish that is both simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress family and friends, making it a staple in my recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three side-by-side views of a black pan on a white marbled surface. In the first view, the pan contains cooked brown ground meat with a wooden spoon resting on the left edge. In the second view, the pan holds three layers: cooked ground meat on the right, yellow pasta shells on the left, and light cream sauce with red tomato sauce at the bottom right, all mixed together with the wooden spoon on top. The third view shows the mixed pasta and meat covered with a bright layer of shredded orange cheese, with black pepper sprinkled on the right and the wooden spoon resting on the upper part of the pan. Around the pan, there are garlic bulbs and jars of spices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to building the layers of flavor and texture that make the Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe so delightful. Each one plays a key role—whether it’s the tender pasta shells providing a perfect vessel for the creamy sauce or the spices adding depth and warmth.

8 ounces medium pasta shells: The shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated with flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef with a lovely caramelized crust.
1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings richness and a meaty savoriness.
½ medium onion, diced: Offers a sweet and aromatic foundation for the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of fragrance and zest to the dish.
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that brightens and balances the beefy flavors.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky sweetness.
½ teaspoon mustard powder: Provides a hidden tang that enhances the sauce’s complexity.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a creamy, luscious consistency.
2 cups beef stock: Deepens the beef flavor and adds savory richness.
1 15-ounce jar tomato sauce: Brings acidity and classic tomato sweetness to the mix.
¾ cup heavy cream: The star of creaminess that smooths and rounds out the sauce perfectly.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that balances and accentuates all the flavors.
6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 ½ cups): Melts into the sauce, adding a satisfying tang and gooey texture.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions ensures they’re tender but still hold their shape. Drain them well, because too much water will dilute the rich sauce later on.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned and crumbled into bite-sized pieces, about 3 to 5 minutes. Removing excess fat after browning keeps the dish from becoming greasy, allowing the flavors to shine.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Into the skillet with the beef, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder, cooking for another minute to release all those wonderful aromas.

Step 4: Make the Sauce Base

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and whisk continuously for about a minute until it turns lightly golden. This step is crucial as the flour will thicken the sauce and give it a smooth body.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer

Gradually pour in the beef stock while whisking to avoid lumps, then add the tomato sauce. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly—about 6 to 8 minutes. This simmering melds the flavors and intensifies the savory tomato richness.

Step 6: Combine Pasta, Beef, and Cream

Return the cooked pasta shells and browned beef to the skillet, pour in the heavy cream, and stir everything together gently over low heat. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. The cream creates that velvety finish that makes this dish irresistibly comforting.

Step 7: Melt in the Cheese

Finally, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich, cheesy coating that clings perfectly to every shell.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

A white bowl filled with shell pasta covered in creamy orange sauce mixed with ground meat and small green herb pieces on top, creating a rich, smooth texture with bits of pepper visible. Nearby, part of a white bowl with the same pasta sits on a black and white checkered cloth, with two silver forks beside it. A salt and pepper shaker set sits on the white marbled surface next to the cloth. In the top left corner, part of a pot with more sauce and pasta is visible. The scene is bright and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens each hearty bite. You can also add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat to complement the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the dish in individual bowls topped with a little extra cheese and herbs for an inviting presentation. For a crowd-pleaser, bake it with extra cheese on top until bubbly and golden for a casserole-style twist that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture lovely for easy, satisfying meals during the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the pasta either combined or separately. The complete dish freezes well for 1 to 2 months, while the sauce alone can be stored up to 6 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of cream or beef stock to loosen it and bring back that creamy texture that makes this recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes in this recipe?

Absolutely! While medium pasta shells are ideal for holding the sauce, other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would work great too. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a non-dairy cheese. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy and comforting.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the aromatics or stir in a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce at the end. Both methods give the creamy sauce a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta a few hours ahead, then combine and heat just before serving. For a dinner party, baking it with extra cheese on top makes for a warm, inviting presentation.

What kind of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Choose ground beef with about 80% lean content. It has enough fat to keep the dish juicy and flavorful without being too greasy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Final Thoughts

There is something so incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and ease all in one pot. The Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe delivers on all those fronts with its luscious, cheesy sauce and hearty beef. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy meal to brighten your evening, this recipe is a winner every time. Give it a try and discover your new favorite comfort food classic!