Description
This Creamy Beef and Shells is a cozy, one-skillet pasta dish that combines tender shell pasta with ground beef, mushrooms, and a rich cheese sauce. A satisfying, family-friendly dinner that comes together fast and delivers on comfort and flavor.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
8 ounces medium pasta shells
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 ounces cream cheese or Velveeta
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste and mushrooms. Cook for 3–4 minutes to develop flavor.
4. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and simmer for 5–6 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese and cream cheese or Velveeta until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked pasta shells and stir gently to coat with the creamy sauce.
7. Season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
For best results, cook pasta al dente—this keeps the texture perfect when mixed with sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
Stir in a splash of cream or broth when reheating leftovers to bring the sauce back to life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy beef shells, skillet pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef recipes