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Irresistible Creamy Beef Shells

Featured in Pasta Perfection: Simple to Spectacular.

This dish is all about tender pasta shells paired with flavorful ground beef in a velvety sauce made of tomato, cream, and broth. With sharp cheddar cheese and a kick of Italian spices, it's a one-pan wonder that's quick to prepare. The sauce builds from a roux, while the pasta captures every drop of creamy goodness. Perfect for busy nights and just as great for reheating leftovers.
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Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:53:50 GMT
Beef Shells with Creamy Sauce Pin it
Beef Shells with Creamy Sauce | linacooks.com

This classic creamy beef and shells dish brings comfort food to a whole new level. The tender medium pasta shells perfectly cradle a rich sauce made with seasoned ground beef, sharp cheddar, and heavy cream. Ready in just 30 minutes, the combination of beef stock and tomato sauce creates layers of flavor that make this dish truly exceptional.

Key Ingredients

  • Medium Shell Pasta: The perfect size to hold sauce in every bite
  • Ground Beef (80/20): Provides ideal fat content for flavor
  • Sharp Cheddar: Fresh-grated for smoothest melting
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious sauce texture
  • Beef Stock: Adds deep, rich flavor base

Cooking Method

1. Prepare the Pasta
  • Salt water generously
  • Cook shells to al dente
  • Save 1 cup cooking water
  • Toss with oil after draining
2. Cook the Beef
  • Use high heat for browning
  • Break into even pieces
  • Achieve golden-brown color
  • Remove excess fat
3. Create the Sauce
  • Sauté onions until translucent
  • Add aromatics and spices
  • Create roux with flour
  • Slowly incorporate stock
  • Reduce until thickened
4. Combine Components
  • Mix beef into sauce
  • Add cream slowly
  • Incorporate pasta
  • Melt in cheese
  • Season to taste
5. Finishing Steps
  • Serve hot
  • Add fresh herbs
  • Accompany with bread
  • Keep pasta water nearby
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe Pin it
Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe | linacooks.com
Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Pin it
Easy Creamy Beef and Shells | linacooks.com

Recipe Variations

  • Add sautéed mushrooms
  • Mix in green peas
  • Substitute ground turkey
  • Try alternative pasta shapes

Pro Tips

  • Heat spices to enhance flavor
  • Save pasta cooking water
  • Use room temperature cheese

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside crisp green salads dressed with vinaigrette, warm garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables. Medium-bodied red wines complement this dish perfectly. During warmer months, grilled vegetables make an excellent accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating

Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. When reheating, add cream or milk while warming over medium-low heat. For best results, heat gently and stir often to maintain creamy texture.

Beef and Shells Pin it
Beef and Shells | linacooks.com

Additional Notes

Success depends on proper technique and timing. Brown meat thoroughly, build flavors gradually, and adjust seasoning throughout cooking. This versatile recipe serves as an excellent base for creativity - experiment with different cheese combinations and seasonal ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap out the pasta shape?
Absolutely! Medium shapes like rotini or penne are great options too.
→ Can I prep this dish in advance?
Sure! It reheats beautifully—just mix in a bit of milk while warming it up.
→ Is a cast iron skillet necessary?
Not at all! Any big skillet works fine, though cast iron is best for even heating.
→ Can I use a different protein?
Yep! Ground turkey or even Italian sausage can be swapped in with great results.
→ How can I make this dish lighter?
Try using half-and-half instead of cream and scaling back the cheese for a lighter version.

Beef Shells Pasta

Cheesy pasta shells and seasoned beef come together in a rich tomato-cream sauce—comfort food made easy in one skillet.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 pound of ground beef
02 8 ounces of medium shell pasta
03 1 tablespoon of olive oil

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 1/2 of a medium-sized sweet onion, chopped
06 2 tablespoons of plain flour
07 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian herb blend

→ Sauce

08 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce
09 2 cups of beef broth
10 6 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
11 3/4 cup of heavy cream
12 Salt and black pepper, as needed to adjust taste

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the shell pasta in salty water following the package details. Drain them completely once cooked.

Step 02

In a pan with olive oil, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked (about 3 to 5 minutes). Get rid of the excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 03

In the same pan, sauté the onions until soft and see-through. Stir in the garlic, spice mix, and flour. Let the flour cook for about a minute.

Step 04

Mix in the broth and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until it thickens.

Step 05

Combine the cooked pasta, beef, heavy cream, and cheese into the sauce. Stir well and warm everything up. Add extra salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

  1. You’ll only need one pan to cook this after boiling the pasta.
  2. Start to finish, this takes around 40 minutes.
  3. Perfect for weeknights when you want a filling and easy meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot for boiling
  • Cast iron skillet or deep frying pan
  • A whisk for mixing sauces

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This dish has dairy (cheese and heavy cream).
  • It also includes wheat (pasta and flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~