Creamy Beef and Shells is a hearty, comforting pasta dish that brings together tender shell pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Quick to prepare and full of savory flavor, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is both indulgent and satisfying, with a smooth, cheesy sauce that clings to every pasta shell. It’s loaded with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of Italian spices, creating a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal. It’s easy to customize, kid-friendly, and ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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3 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
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1 lb ground beef
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1 medium red bell pepper, diced
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1/2 large onion, diced
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1 tsp garlic, minced
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1 tbsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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3 tbsp Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 cups beef broth
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 cup mild cheddar cheese
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2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Directions
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Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the beef and vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced red bell pepper and onion until the meat is fully cooked and crumbled. Drain excess fat, then return the skillet to heat. -
Season and build the sauce:
Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the butter until melted, then sprinkle in the flour. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. -
Add liquids and cheese:
Gradually stir in the beef broth, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. Reduce heat and stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. -
Combine and serve:
Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce, stirring gently until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 6 people
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 580 kcal per serving
Variations
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Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy cheddar for extra heat.
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Vegetable boost: Mix in peas, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrients.
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Creamier option: Increase the sour cream or add a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
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Different cheese: Try using Monterey Jack, Colby, or a sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
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Ground turkey or chicken: Substitute ground beef with poultry for a lighter variation.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content, which may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne are great alternatives to shell pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat when ready to serve.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Add more sour cream, cheese, or even a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche are good alternatives.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may affect the texture of the sauce due to the dairy content.
Can I add more protein?
Yes, stir in cooked bacon, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein boost.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
Mild cheddar melts smoothly, but you can also use medium or sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well—just use a larger pot or skillet to accommodate the extra volume.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Rinse the pasta briefly under warm water after draining, and toss it with a little butter or oil if not using immediately.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef and Shells is a fast, flavorful, and family-approved meal that combines tender pasta, rich beef, and a velvety cheese sauce. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. Customize it to your taste and enjoy this comforting classic any night of the week.7
Print
Creamy Beef and Shells
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a quick and comforting one-pot dinner packed with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, and a creamy, savory sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals, and always a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
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3 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
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1 lb ground beef
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1 medium red bell pepper, diced
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1/2 large onion, diced
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1 tsp garlic, minced
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1 tbsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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3 tbsp Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt (or regular butter)
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 cups beef broth
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta shells according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with red bell pepper and onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
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Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant.
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Stir in butter until melted, then whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
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Gradually stir in beef broth, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Mix in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
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Fold in cooked pasta shells and stir until well combined.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
Use sharp cheddar or a cheese blend for bolder flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
