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You are here: Home / RECIPES / Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells

December 5, 2025 Leave a Comment

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Pâtes aux coquilles crémeuses avec bœuf haché, sauce tomate et fromage cheddar, parfaites pour un dîner familial rapide et réconfortant. Recette facile avec pâtes tendres, viande assaisonnée et sauce onctueuse, idéale pour les repas de semaine ou les plats à préparer à l’avance.

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Ingredients

  • 10 ounces medium pasta shells (about 3 cups; elbows or penne can be used)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
  • ½ cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Shredded Parmesan, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in boiling water for 1 minute less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef and onion, breaking up the beef with a spoon, and cook until browned and crumbly, about 4–5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add Italian seasoning, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes to bloom the spices.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir for about 1 minute to incorporate.
  5. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, then add tomato sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and cheddar cheese until smooth. Add the cooked pasta and heat through for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  7. Garnish with shredded Parmesan if desired and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy beef and shells dish is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful beef, and rich cheesy sauce creates a satisfying dish that’s loved by kids and adults alike.


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Tips

  • Cook pasta slightly less than package directions to prevent overcooking when mixed with the sauce.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Pasta: Swap shells for penne, macaroni, or rotini.
  • Dairy: Use half-and-half for a lighter option or add cream cheese for extra creaminess.
  • Cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
  • Vegetables: Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the beef mixture and pasta separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.


Serving

  • Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
  • Pair with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
  • Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Suggestions

  • Sprinkle extra cheddar or Parmesan on top before serving for a cheesy finish.
  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for mild heat.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
Creamy Beef and Shells
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Creamy Beef and Shells

Recipe by 50Krecipes
0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces medium pasta shells (about 3 cups; elbows or penne can be used)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef

  • ½ cup diced yellow onion

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

  • 15-ounce can tomato sauce

  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • Shredded Parmesan, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  • Cook the pasta in boiling water for 1 minute less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef and onion, breaking up the beef with a spoon, and cook until browned and crumbly, about 4–5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  • Add Italian seasoning, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes to bloom the spices.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir for about 1 minute to incorporate.
  • Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, then add tomato sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and cheddar cheese until smooth. Add the cooked pasta and heat through for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Garnish with shredded Parmesan if desired and serve warm.
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