Creamy Cheesy Beef and Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food
There’s something magical about a dish that wraps you in warmth from the first bite—like a cozy hug in food form. This Creamy Cheesy Beef and Shells recipe is exactly that. Picture tender pasta shells bathed in a velvety, tomato-infused cheese sauce, with savory ground beef and just the right hint of spice. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, forks at the ready.
I first made this dish on a chilly evening when comfort food was non-negotiable. My family devoured it in minutes, and now it’s a regular in our dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This
Comfort in every bite – Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheese—this dish is pure nostalgia.
One-pan wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor. Everything comes together in one skillet!
Picky-eater approved – Even the toughest critics (looking at you, kids) can’t resist this cheesy goodness.
Quick & satisfying – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Endlessly customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your taste (more on that below!).
The Unexpected Fan
My brother-in-law, a self-proclaimed “meat and potatoes only” guy, took one bite and immediately asked for seconds. He even volunteered to do the dishes—a true testament to this dish’s power. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.
What Makes It Special
Sharp cheddar cheese – Melts into a luscious, gooey blanket over the pasta.
Heavy cream – Adds luxurious richness to the sauce.
Tomato sauce & beef stock – Creates a deep, savory base with a hint of tang.
Italian seasoning & red pepper flakes – A subtle herby kick with just the right warmth.
Pasta shells – The perfect shape to cradle all that creamy, beefy goodness.
Making It Happen
Cook the pasta – Boil those shells until they’re al dente—still with a little bite. Drain and set aside.
Brown the beef – In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onions until the meat is beautifully browned and the onions are soft. Toss in the garlic for a quick 30-second sizzle (your kitchen will smell amazing).
Make the sauce – Melt butter in the same skillet, then whisk in flour to create a golden roux. Slowly pour in the beef stock and tomato sauce, stirring until smooth. Let it bubble away for a few minutes to thicken.
Spice it up – Whisk in Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes for that extra depth of flavor.
Bring it all together – Stir in the heavy cream, then fold in the cooked pasta and beef. Let everything get cozy in that creamy sauce.
Cheese, please! – Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top, cover with a lid, and let it melt into gooey perfection. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
You Must Know
Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente is key since it’ll keep cooking in the sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Let the sauce thicken – Simmering for 5-6 minutes ensures a rich, velvety texture.
Taste as you go – Adjust salt, pepper, or spice levels to your liking.
Serving Ideas
Pair with – A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies.
Drink pairing – A bold red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon) or an ice-cold beer.
Make It Different
Spicy kick – Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
Lighter option – Swap ground beef for ground turkey and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Extra cheesy – Stir in cream cheese or mozzarella for even more melty goodness.
Veggie boost – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Warm in a skillet with a splash of beef stock or milk to revive the creaminess.
Freezer – Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw overnight before reheating).
Casserole Success Tips
Prep ahead – Brown the beef and cook the pasta in advance for a quicker assembly.
Broil for extra crispiness – Pop under the broiler for 2-3 minutes for a golden top.
Double the batch – This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Absolutely! Elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini work well too.
Q: Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half or whole milk will work, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour for cornstarch (mix 1.5 tbsp with cold water before adding).
Q: Why does my cheese sauce look grainy?
A: Pre-shredded cheese can cause this. Always shred your own for the smoothest melt.
Q: Can I add other veggies?
A: Of course! Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions.
Recipe Card: Creamy Cheesy Beef and Shells
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Category: Dinner
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
8 oz medium pasta shells
For the Beef:
1 lb ground beef
½ medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef stock
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp mustard powder
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
¾ cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper to taste
For Topping:
6 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese (~1.5 cups)
Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onions over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if needed, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove beef and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter, then whisk in flour to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-6 minutes until thickened.
Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes.
Whisk in heavy cream, then add cooked pasta and beef. Season with salt and pepper.
Turn off heat, sprinkle with cheese, and cover to melt. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Whisk
Pasta pot
Allergy Info
Contains: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 580 | Fat: 32g | Carbs: 42g | Protein: 30g
There you have it—the ultimate Creamy Cheesy Beef and Shells recipe! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a fast favorite. Happy cooking!
