There’s nothing quite like a big, comforting bowl of cheesy beef and shells. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—basically the ultimate weeknight dinner. Imagine tender pasta shells coated in a velvety cheese sauce, with savory ground beef adding the perfect hearty bite. This dish is like a hug in a bowl, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour every bite.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ultra Creamy & Cheesy: The sauce is rich, indulgent, and completely irresistible.
Ingredients in Cheesy Beef & Shells
Ground Beef: Adds hearty, savory goodness to the dish.
Pasta Shells: The perfect shape to catch all that creamy cheese sauce.
Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics for deep, rich flavor.
Tomato Paste: Brings a subtle tang and richness to the sauce.
Beef Broth: Infuses the dish with extra savory depth.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Melts into a gooey, cheesy masterpiece.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds an extra punch of umami and nuttiness.
Paprika & Italian Seasoning: A simple blend that enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Beef & Shells
Cook the Pasta: Boil the shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the beef, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, seasonings, and beef broth. Let simmer for a few minutes.
Add the Cream & Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and slowly stir in the cheeses until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything: Toss the cooked pasta shells into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
Serve & Enjoy: Dish it up warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef & Shells
With Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up that extra cheesy sauce.
With a Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
As a Casserole: Bake it in the oven with a layer of cheese on top for an extra bubbly, golden finish.
With Roasted Veggies: Balance out the richness with a side of roasted broccoli or asparagus.
Additional Tips
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
Want It Spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap in pepper jack cheese.
Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a slightly lighter version.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A1: Absolutely! Elbows, penne, or rotini work great too.
Q2: Can I substitute the ground beef?
A2: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage would be delicious alternatives.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! Cook everything except the pasta, then reheat and add freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Let it cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
Q5: How do I prevent the cheese sauce from getting grainy?
A5: Keep the heat low when adding the cheese and stir continuously for a smooth sauce.
Q6: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A6: Yes! Try using evaporated milk or a roux-based sauce with milk instead.
Q7: What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
A7: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds great flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella, gouda, or Colby jack for variety.
Q8: Can I make this gluten-free?
A8: Yep! Just swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety and use a thickener like cornstarch instead of flour if needed.
Q9: Can I add veggies to this?
A9: Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be great additions.
Q10: What if my sauce is too thick?
A10: Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy beef and shells is pure comfort in a bowl—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself to some indulgent goodness, this dish is always a winner. Give it a try, and let me know—what’s your favorite way to customize it?
Print
Cheesy Beef & Shells
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Beef & Shells is a quick and comforting meal packed with ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy family favorite!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 large yellow onion, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups beef broth
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1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp sea salt
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8 oz small pasta shells
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until just browned. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
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In the same skillet, cook the diced onion until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 45 seconds.
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Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken.
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Increase heat to high and let the sauce boil for 1-2 minutes.
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Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and pasta shells. Mix well.
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Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
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Reduce heat to low, then stir in the cheese and heavy cream until melted and fully incorporated.
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Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and mix gently.
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Let simmer for a couple more minutes to reheat the beef. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
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Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 1240mg
- Fat: 57g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 170mg