Name: Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces medium pasta shells; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; ½ medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef stock; 1 15-ounce jar tomato sauce; ¾ cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

If you’re looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is everything you need. With tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, a velvety tomato-cream sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, each bite is pure comfort. What’s even better? You only need one pot and about 30 minutes from start to finish, making this dish the ultimate weeknight hero that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is how just a few everyday ingredients transform into something absolutely irresistible. Each item, from the pasta shells to the cheddar cheese, brings a unique flavor or texture that turns a simple meal into a showstopper.

Medium pasta shells: Their shape captures all that luscious sauce, making every forkful extra creamy and satisfying.
Olive oil: Use this to start things off and build flavor as you brown the beef.
Ground beef: The heart of the dish, offering richness and plenty of protein.
Onion: Diced for just the right amount of sweetness and depth in every bite.
Garlic: Minced for an aromatic punch that wakes up the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to bring brightness and lift to the creamy base.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a lovely color to your sauce.
Mustard powder: A little unexpected, but it brings a hint of tang that balances out the richness.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to help thicken the sauce and create that silky texture.
Beef stock: Deepens the meaty flavors, making the sauce extra savory.
Tomato sauce: Brings acidity, tang, and gorgeous color to the creamy base.
Heavy cream: The secret to ultra-velvety richness that ties the whole dish together.
Salt and pepper: Essential for perfect seasoning—taste and adjust as you go.
Shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that ultra-gooey finish—don’t skimp on the cheese!

How to Make Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil, then add your medium pasta shells. Cook them just to al dente according to the package instructions; this ensures they’re sturdy enough to absorb that gloriously creamy sauce later. Once done, drain the shells well and set them aside—you’ll add them back in at just the right moment.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. After 3–5 minutes, when the beef is no longer pink and has lovely caramelized edges, drain off any excess fat. This keeps the final sauce luscious without being greasy. Set the browned beef aside on a plate while you build your flavor base.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Seasonings

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns soft and translucent—about 2–3 minutes. This step coaxes out sweetness and depth from the onion. Add in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder, letting everything cook just until fragrant (about 1 minute). You’ll notice the kitchen starts to fill with the most tantalizing aromas—this is how a Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe should smell!

Step 4: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and spices, whisking steadily for about a minute so it toasts slightly. This magic move thickens your sauce later on, ensuring every bite of pasta is luxuriously coated.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Gradually pour in the beef stock and tomato sauce, whisking out any lumps as you go. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it bubble away for 6–8 minutes, stirring here and there as it thickens. The sauce should start to look glossy and enriched—this is what the Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe is all about!

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the drained pasta shells and browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together until the shells are evenly coated and the sauce is beautifully creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper; this step really dials in the comfort factor. Let everything heat through, melding the flavors perfectly.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese. It will melt luxuriously into the sauce, binding everything together and adding a gooey, irresistible finish. If you love your pasta extra cheesy, feel free to sprinkle a bit more on top just before serving!

How to Serve Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is a classic go-to for a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the plate. For a little extra flair, try a dusting of parmesan, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of olive oil. Each adds a special finishing touch to your Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe, making it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This hearty main dish needs only simple sides. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. Warm garlic bread is always a favorite for soaking up extra sauce. For a veggie boost, try serving with sautéed green beans or roasted broccoli for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to have fun with the Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe, try portioning it into individual ramekins and broiling a touch more cheese on top for a bubbly, golden finish. Or, serve it in a big, family-style platter at the center of the table with plenty of fresh herbs for a rustic, crowd-pleasing look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and you’ll have a quick, comforting meal ready whenever you need it. The flavors actually get even better overnight!

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the pasta maintains its tender texture.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts, stirring between each, until everything is hot and steamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While medium shells are perfect for soaking up the sauce, any short, sturdy pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni will work wonderfully in this Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce (without the pasta and cheese) up to 2 days in advance. When ready to eat, cook your pasta fresh, reheat the sauce, stir in the cheese and pasta, and enjoy—it’s a fantastic way to save time on a busy night.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No worries! You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk; the sauce will be a little lighter but still delicious. For a dairy-free twist, coconut cream works too, just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.

Is it possible to add vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or peas are great additions to the Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe. Just stir them in during the final simmer with the beef and shells for extra nutrition and color.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You sure can. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce. The results will still be creamy and comforting—no one will notice a difference!

Final Thoughts

Give this Delicious Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe a spot on your dinner table and you’ll see why it’s a longtime favorite. It checks all the boxes: quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, with that irresistible creamy-cheesy goodness. If you try it, I guarantee it’ll become your new go-to recipe for busy weeknights and cozy family meals alike!