Creamy Beef & Shells

If you need a dinner that’s quick, filling and made with ingredients the whole family will enjoy, this Creamy Beef & Shells is an easy one to add to your weeknight rotation.

Tender pasta shells and seasoned ground beef are tossed in a creamy tomato and cheddar sauce for a comforting dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

It’s simple, cheesy and doesn’t require a long list of ingredients—which is exactly what I want when dinner needs to get on the table fast!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef & Shells Recipe

This recipe is a little like a homemade version of those boxed beef and pasta dinners many of us grew up eating—but creamier and packed with more flavor.

The tomato sauce and tomato paste create a rich base, while heavy cream and cheddar cheese make the sauce creamy and cheesy. The pasta shells are especially good because all those little pockets catch the sauce in every bite.

With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, it’s also an easy option for nights when you don’t have a lot of time.

Creamy Beef & Shells

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4–6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz medium pasta shells
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until browned, breaking the beef apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce and beef broth until everything is well combined.
5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
7. Add the cooked pasta shells and shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

What to Serve With Creamy Beef & Shells

This is a pretty filling meal on its own, so you don’t need anything complicated on the side.

A simple green vegetable is an easy way to round out dinner. Try serving it with roasted broccoli, green beans, peas or a simple side salad.

Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also perfect if you want something to scoop up the extra creamy sauce.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

One of the nice things about this recipe is that you can easily adjust it based on what you have in your pantry.

Don’t have shells? Try elbow macaroni, rotini, penne or another short pasta.

You can also add vegetables right into the skillet. Peas, spinach, chopped bell peppers or finely diced zucchini are all easy additions.

For an extra cheesy version, sprinkle a little additional cheddar over each serving.

Tips for the Creamiest Beef & Shells

Once you add the heavy cream, keep the heat fairly low. You want the sauce to warm through without bringing it to a hard boil.

Freshly shredded cheddar also tends to melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, so grate your own if you have the time.

The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits. If it becomes thicker than you’d like, stir in a small splash of beef broth until you get the consistency you want.

A Quick Family Dinner for Busy Nights

Some nights call for something simple, comforting and easy enough to make without a lot of planning. This Creamy Beef & Shells checks all three boxes.

You can have it on the table in about 30 minutes, it’s made with basic ingredients, and there’s plenty of creamy, cheesy sauce to go around.

Add a vegetable or salad on the side and you’ve got an easy family dinner without spending your whole evening in the kitchen.

Save this Creamy Beef & Shells recipe for the next time you need an easy 30-minute dinner!