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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells

The Crispy Chef
Creamy Beef and Shells is a nostalgic one-pot pasta that upgrades your childhood favorite with real ingredients like ground beef, tomato, cream, and cheese. Comforting, quick, and endlessly customizable, it's weeknight magic in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 615 kcal

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • can opener
  • Colander (optional for draining fat)

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (only if beef is lean)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3 cups medium pasta shells (uncooked, about 12 oz)
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
  • extra parmesan for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat skillet over medium-high. Add oil if beef is lean. Brown ground beef 5–7 mins, breaking it up. Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in optional veggies like mushrooms or peppers now.
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir in all seasonings and sugar. Mix until saucy.
  • Pour in beef broth and add pasta shells. Bring to boil, then cover and simmer 12–15 mins, stirring often, until pasta is al dente.
  • Reduce heat. Stir in cream and cream cheese (if using). Add mozzarella and parmesan. Mix until melted and creamy. Stir in spinach now if using.
  • Let rest 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with herbs and extra cheese. Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple salad.

Notes

Swap in ground turkey for a lighter version or use half sausage for extra flavor. Add-ins like spinach or mushrooms work great. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess. Perfect for picky eaters and makes delicious leftovers.

Nutrition

Calories: 615kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 35gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 790mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 4.1mg
Keyword creamy beef and shells, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef pasta, one pot pasta
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