Description
If you’re craving a cozy, quick dinner that brings all the comforting flavors of a hearty meal in one skillet, this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is your go-to! It’s a rich blend of tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a creamy tomato-cheese sauce that hugs every bite. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, kid-friendly meals, or quick weeknight comfort food, this one-pan dish hits the spot with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
8 oz medium pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 ½ cups beef broth
¾ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until aromatic and deeper in color.
3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Meanwhile, cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
5. Lower the heat on the skillet and stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss until well coated.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
You can swap cheddar cheese for a blend like Colby Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
For extra veggies, stir in spinach or mushrooms with the beef during cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg