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Creamy Cheesy Beef and Shells

Creamy cheesy beef and shells are a hearty pasta dish the whole family will love!

Creamy beef and shells with cheddar cheese on top in a cast iron skillet.



This easy weeknight dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Is loaded with tender pasta, ground beef, tomato, and lots of cheese and approved by all

Creamy beef and shells in a white bowl on a striped linen towel.

This comfort food will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Something so comforting about a bowl of creamy cheesy beef and pasta.

Four process photos. First one, raw ground beef placed in a hot cast iron skillet with raw diced onions. Second one,cooked ground beef with garlic. Third one, beef removed and butter and flour being whisked together. Fourth one, beef stock being whisked in.Tips for making creamy, cheesy beef, and shells.

  • If you use leaner ground beef you won't have to drain any fat after it cooks.
  • I use shell pasta, but you can use any pasta you have in your pantry.
  • This serves 4, but it can easily be doubled for a larger family, and delicious leftovers throught the week.
  • I recommend cooking the pasta al dente. It will cook a tad bit more once mixed into the sauce.
  • The sauce will thicken up after it cools.
Four process photos. First one, tomato sauce is whisked in. The second one, Italian seasoning, paprika, dry mustard and red pepper being added. Third one, heavr cream poured in. Fourth one, cooked pasta and ground beef mixed into the sauce.

Creamy beef and pasta in a cast iron pan with a metal serving spoon in the skillet.More easy dinner recipes!

Creamy beef and pasta in a white bowl with a fork going into it and a side of garlic bread.

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Creamy beef and shells in a white bowl on a striped linen towel.

Creamy Beef and Shells

4.38 from 69 votes
Written By: Wendie
Creamy cheesy beef and shells is an easy, hearty dish. Perfect for those hectic weeknight and is delicious as leftovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 602

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ยฝ medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ยฝ teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ยพ cup heavy cream
  • Sat and pepper to taste
  • 6 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese about 1 1/2 cups
  • Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta al dente according to the package directions.
  • Heat a 12-inch skillet on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, and onions and cook until browned. Drain fat if needed and add in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds. Remove the beef and set aside.
  • Add the butter to the skillet and melt, add in the flour and whisk for a minute.
  • Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
  • Whisk in Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder and red pepper flakes.
  • Whisk in heavy cream and add in cooked pasta and ground beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Turn off heat and sprinkle with shredded cheese and let melt. (If you put a lid or cover on the skillet it will melt much faster.)
  • Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 602kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 39gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 151mgSodium: 501mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
Course Entrees
Cuisine Italian
4.38 from 69 votes (68 ratings without comment)

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14 Comments

  1. I made this today but I added more spices than the recipe called for. Cumin, chili powder, and more paprika and Italian seasoning. I substituted whole wheat penne for the shells, which I didn't have. Very rich and delishโค๏ธ