Best Creamy Beef and Shells
Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick, family-friendly stovetop dinner with tender pasta shells tossed in a rich, tomato-cream sauce loaded with savory ground beef, garlic, and melty cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
8 ounces medium uncooked pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 pound lean ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder or Italian seasoning
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar or Pecorino Romano cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil pasta shells until al dente (about 8–9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in garlic and chili powder (or Italian seasoning) and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add tomato sauce and beef broth. Simmer 6–8 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add drained shells and toss to coat evenly.
8. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
9. Garnish with herbs if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Undercook the pasta slightly so it stays perfect after tossing in the sauce.
Cheddar makes it extra cozy; Pecorino adds a sharper, saltier bite.
For a thicker sauce, simmer a couple extra minutes before adding cream.
Leftovers reheat best with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Find it online: https://www.musttryrecipe.com/creamy-beef-and-shells/