You are currently viewing Creamy Beef and Shells – Easy Cheesy Comfort Food Dinner

Creamy Beef and Shells – Easy Cheesy Comfort Food Dinner

Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells is a cozy, family-friendly pasta dinner made with tender shells, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Easy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 35 minutesServings: 6Course: Main DishCuisine: American / Comfort FoodMethod: Stovetop

Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz medium pasta shells
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and milk. Stir well and simmer gently until slightly thickened.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Add cooked pasta shells and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Beef and Shells is one of those recipes that earns its place as a comfort-food staple. It’s simple, hearty, and endlessly reliable—exactly what you want when you need a meal that feels comforting without being complicated. The creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef come together in a way that feels familiar and deeply satisfying.

What truly makes this dish special is how effortlessly it fits into everyday life. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, budget-friendly, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It also adapts easily, whether you want to make it richer, lighter, or packed with extra vegetables.

This is the kind of recipe you return to when you want something warm, filling, and guaranteed to please. Creamy Beef and Shells doesn’t try to be fancy—it simply delivers comfort, flavor, and consistency every single time.