Creamy Beef and Shells – Easy One-Pot Pasta Dinner

Creamy Beef and Shells is a cozy, comforting dinner that’s ready in under 40 minutes! Juicy ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy sauce come together for a family-favorite meal that’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a little extra comfort on your plate.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 5 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Oregano, dried
• 1 tsp Parsley, dried
• 1 small Sweet onion, diced
• 1 cup Beef stock
• 1 (15 oz) can Marinara sauce
• 8 oz Pasta shells, medium
• 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup Heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Sour cream

this RECIPE

Instructions

1. Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in oregano, parsley, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat the beef mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Pour in beef stock and marinara sauce. Stir and bring to a simmer.
8. Mix in heavy cream and sour cream, stirring until smooth and creamy.
9. Add in cooked pasta shells and cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
10. Simmer on low for a few minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Want it cheesier? Toss in some mozzarella or Parmesan with the cheddar.
• This dish reheats beautifully, perfect for next-day leftovers!

Helpful Tips

Choose the right pasta: Medium pasta shells are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce inside each bite. If you don’t have shells, try elbow macaroni or rotini as a substitute.

Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly it melts. For the creamiest sauce, shred your cheddar fresh from the block.

Brown the beef well: Take your time when browning the ground beef. Let it develop a nice golden color it adds more depth of flavor to the dish.

Don’t skip the flour: The flour helps thicken the sauce, giving it that luxurious creamy texture. Make sure to stir it into the beef mixture and cook it for a minute or two before adding the liquids to remove any raw flour taste.

Taste and season as you go: Between the beef stock, cheese, and marinara sauce, there’s already plenty of flavor, but salt and pepper are key for balance. Add in layers and taste before serving.

Add cream slowly: When adding heavy cream and sour cream, stir slowly and keep the heat on low to prevent curdling. You want everything smooth and luscious.

Great for leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

Make it your own: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra veggies, or swap cheddar for a cheese blend like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a new twist.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration:
Let the dish cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For best texture and flavor, reheat only the portion you plan to eat to avoid drying it out from repeated heating.

Reheating Tips:
To reheat on the stovetop, place the desired amount in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or beef broth to help loosen the sauce and stir gently until warmed through.
Microwave reheating also works well—just cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot and creamy.

Freezing:
Creamy pasta dishes can be tricky to freeze due to the dairy content, but it’s doable with a few tips. Cool the dish completely, then store it in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Flatten the bag for easier stacking and quicker thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thawing:
To reheat from frozen, allow the pasta to thaw overnight in the fridge. Then follow the same reheating method as above. If the sauce separates slightly, a bit of cream and gentle stirring will help it come back together.

Portioning:
For convenient lunches or quick dinners, divide leftovers into individual portions before storing. This makes grab-and-go meals a breeze, especially when you’re short on time.

Pro Tip:
If planning to freeze, slightly undercook the pasta during the initial cook. It will soften further during reheating and hold its texture better.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Beef and Shells is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can round out the meal beautifully.

Bread:
Serve it with warm, crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to help soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. A slice of toasted sourdough or cheesy garlic toast adds a satisfying crunch on the side.

Salad:
Balance the richness of the dish with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette works great. Caesar salad or spinach with a lemony dressing also adds brightness and contrast.

Veggies:
Steamed or roasted vegetables make a perfect match. Try broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts. Their natural bitterness and crisp texture cut through the creaminess of the pasta nicely.

Light Add-Ons:
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. A pinch of crushed red pepper adds heat, while a dusting of Parmesan brings an extra cheesy kick.

For the Kids:
Serve it with fruit slices like apple or grapes and a small glass of milk. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a kid-friendly favorite.

Family-Style Tip:
Serve straight from the skillet for a cozy, family-style dinner that brings everyone to the table. Just add a big salad and a basket of warm bread to complete the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While medium shells work best for holding the creamy sauce, you can easily substitute with elbow macaroni, penne, rotini, or even bowties. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. You can cook the entire dish and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re meal prepping, store the pasta and sauce separately for best texture.

Can I freeze Creamy Beef and Shells?
Yes, with a few notes. Dairy-based sauces can separate slightly after freezing, but the texture can be revived with gentle reheating and a splash of cream or milk. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

How do I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or stir in diced jalapeños while browning the beef for a little extra heat.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well and lightens up the dish slightly. You may want to add a touch more seasoning to boost the flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

What cheese can I use instead of cheddar?
You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, a cheddar blend, or even Pepper Jack for a spicier twist.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. With tender pasta shells, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and melty cheddar, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, prepping meals ahead of time, or simply craving a cozy dinner, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can switch up the cheese, sneak in some extra veggies, or even swap the meat for a lighter alternative yet it always delivers that same creamy, crave-worthy result. It reheats beautifully, freezes well, and pairs effortlessly with simple sides, making it as practical as it is delicious.

Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular part of your dinner rotation—especially when the whole family starts asking for seconds! It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, fills up hungry bellies, and leaves everyone smiling.

So whether you serve it straight from the skillet, dress it up with fresh herbs, or keep it simple with a side of garlic bread, Creamy Beef and Shells is always a winning choice. Make a batch, enjoy the leftovers, and savor every rich, creamy forkful. Trust us—once you’ve tried it, you’ll be hooked!

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed Creamy Beef and Shells, here are a few more hearty, comforting dishes you’ll want to add to your meal rotation:

• Creamy Beef and Shells by Damn Delicious: This version is ultra-rich, easy to follow, and packed with cheesy goodness perfect for weeknight dinners and picky eaters alike.

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