Rich, hearty, and irresistibly creamy, this beef and shell pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a luscious, velvety sauce makes it a go-to meal for busy weeknights. With a balance of bold flavors from the chili-infused tomato base and the smooth, indulgent touch of heavy cream, this dish is satisfying on its own yet versatile enough to customize with different add-ins and sides. Whether you’re cooking for the family or craving a cozy homemade dinner, this creamy beef and shell pasta is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key to a perfectly balanced dish starts with the right ingredients, each playing a role in building layers of flavor. Medium pasta shells are the ideal choice for this recipe, as their curved shape captures the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Lean ground beef provides a hearty, protein-packed base, with an 85/15 ratio striking the perfect balance between flavor and minimal excess grease. Onion and garlic act as the aromatic foundation, enhancing the depth of the sauce with their natural sweetness and rich, savory notes. Olive oil is used to sauté the onions, helping to release their flavors while preventing sticking. A dash of chili powder introduces a mild heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy finish. The tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes create a rich, slightly tangy base, while beef broth deepens the umami profile and adds moisture to keep the sauce from becoming too thick. The magic ingredient, heavy cream, transforms the sauce into a silky, velvety texture, softening the acidity of the tomatoes and bringing a smooth balance to the dish. Finally, salt and pepper tie everything together, ensuring the flavors are well-rounded and perfectly seasoned.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Cooking the Pasta
Boiling the pasta to the perfect al dente texture.
Tips for properly salting the water to enhance flavor.
Draining and setting the pasta aside while preparing the sauce.
Sautéing the Aromatics and Beef
How to properly cook onions for a slightly caramelized, sweet flavor.
Browning the ground beef while breaking it apart for an even texture.
Removing excess grease to keep the dish balanced and not overly oily.
Building the Sauce
Incorporating garlic and chili powder for added depth of flavor.
Stirring in tomato sauce and beef broth to create a rich, savory base.
Letting the sauce simmer to concentrate flavors without over-reducing.
Adding the Cream & Combining Everything
How to properly stir in heavy cream for a smooth consistency.
Adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Tossing the pasta into the sauce to coat every shell evenly.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to prevent pasta from sticking together while preparing the sauce.
Adjusting the sauce thickness by modifying the amount of broth or cream.
Substituting ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
How to store and reheat leftovers without losing the creamy texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Suggestions for alternative pasta shapes that work well with this sauce.
How do I make the dish spicier?
Ways to incorporate more heat, such as red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Tips for storing and reheating while maintaining the best consistency.
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
How to adjust by adding more cream, broth, or letting it simmer longer.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – The perfect companion to soak up the creamy sauce.
Fresh Green Salad – A refreshing contrast to balance the richness of the dish.
Roasted or Steamed Vegetables – Great options like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers.
Cheese Toppings – Extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella for more flavor.
Creamy beef and shell pasta is a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that brings together the richness of a creamy sauce and the heartiness of seasoned beef. With a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless. Whether served with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or enjoyed on its own, this dish is bound to become a staple in your home-cooked meal rotation.
Ingredients
8 ounces medium uncooked shells
1 pound lean ground beef
½ medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
⅓ cup beef broth
¼ cup heavy/whipping cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and develops a slight golden hue.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally and let it brown evenly, about 5 minutes. If excess fat accumulates, carefully drain most of it from the pan.
Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder, allowing the flavors to meld for about 30 seconds. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the sauce cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly while ensuring it remains saucy.
Slowly stir in the heavy cream, blending it into the sauce until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the cream heat through for a minute, then add the drained pasta shells to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the rich, flavorful sauce.
Serve immediately while warm, garnishing with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.
Creamy Beef and Shell Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium uncooked shells
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 14-ounce can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- ⅓ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and develops a slight golden hue.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally and let it brown evenly, about 5 minutes. If excess fat accumulates, carefully drain most of it from the pan.
- Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder, allowing the flavors to meld for about 30 seconds. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the sauce cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly while ensuring it remains saucy.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream, blending it into the sauce until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the cream heat through for a minute, then add the drained pasta shells to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Serve immediately while warm, garnishing with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.
