Description

This creamy beef and shells recipe is a comforting skillet meal featuring ground beef, tender baby pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy sauce. The dish combines savory beef broth and tomato sauce with aromatic Italian seasoning, then finishes with creamy heavy cream and melted white cheddar cheese for a luscious, satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 pound Ground Beef
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
2 cup Shredded White Cheddar Cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 Yellow Onion, diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
Fresh Parsley, to taste

Pantry Ingredients

1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
3 cup Beef Broth
1 can Tomato Sauce (typically 15 ounces)
8 ounce Baby Pasta Shells
Salt, to taste
Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Heat the oil and brown beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until no longer pink.
Sauté onions: Add 1 diced yellow onion to the skillet with the beef and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Add liquids and tomato sauce: Pour in 3 cups of beef broth and 1 can of tomato sauce. Whisk gently and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook pasta in sauce: Stir in 8 ounces of baby pasta shells. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Finish with cream and seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
Melt the cheese: Add 2 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy, about 2 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to taste if desired. Serve the creamy beef and shells hot and enjoy your hearty meal!

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
Use low-fat or half-and-half cream for a lighter dish, but reduce the quantity slightly to maintain sauce consistency.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
Baby pasta shells can be swapped for other small pasta shapes such as elbow macaroni or ditalini.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, ground beef dinner, cheesy shell pasta, one skillet meal, comfort food