Creamy Beef and Shells – Easy One-Pot Comfort Dinner

This creamy beef and shells recipe is the perfect quick comfort meal—tender pasta shells coated in a rich, creamy ground beef sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4–5
• Calories: ~480 per serving

Ingredients

• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned.

3. Add Onion & Garlic

Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

4. Build the Sauce

Add:

• beef broth
• tomato sauce
• heavy cream
• Italian seasoning
• paprika, salt, and pepper

Stir well and let simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Add Cheese & Pasta

Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add cooked pasta shells and mix until fully coated.

6. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook pasta → keeps texture perfect
• Use freshly grated cheese → melts smoother
• Let sauce simmer properly → richer flavor
• Add a splash of pasta water if sauce gets too thick

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread
• Side salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Extra Parmesan on top

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or elbow pasta works well.

Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.