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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a Family Delight

This cozy, family-friendly pasta dish is everything comfort food should be—savory, creamy, and full of rich tomato flavor. Tender pasta shells are tossed in a luscious sauce made with ground beef, beef stock, tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate skillet dinner ready in just 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ small yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Chopped zucchini or bell peppers
  • Mushrooms
  • Shredded pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Vegan swaps: plant-based ground "beef" and cashew cream

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics:In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Add Seasoning and Garlic:Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Build the Sauce:Stir in tomato paste, beef stock, and tomato sauce. Simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Make it Creamy:Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Serve and Enjoy:Serve warm, topped with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Want a bit of spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
  • For a veggie boost, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers.
  • Use any short pasta shape like rotini or penne if you don’t have shells on hand.
  • This meal stores well—great for meal prep and easy weeknight reheating.