Creamy Beef Shells

Featured in Comfort Food Favorites.

Stumbled on this 30-minute one-pot pasta that's saved me on so many busy nights! Just cook ground beef with spices, simmer shell pasta in a creamy tomato mix, and let those pasta shells soak up all the sauciness. It's hearty, filling, and wallet-friendly. Bonus: reheats flawlessly, so it's perfect for next day's lunch. My family can't get enough of it, and honestly, neither can I!
punchofyummy
Updated on Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:16:18 GMT
A hearty bowl of pasta shells in tomato cream sauce topped with minced parsley. Pin it
A hearty bowl of pasta shells in tomato cream sauce topped with minced parsley. | pinchofyummy.com

Quick Hearty Beef and Shells makes weeknight dinners a breeze. This tasty pasta combo mixes tender shells with a thick meaty sauce, giving you a warm, filling meal that's quick to throw together and will make everyone at your table happy.

Warm Delight on Your Plate

I stumbled upon this dish during a crazy busy week and now we can't get enough of it. The way those small shells trap little pockets of the sauce is just incredible. Each mouthful is amazing. The best part? It all comes together so fast with stuff I usually already have around, which is perfect when I want something yummy but don't have all evening to cook.

What You'll Need

  • Shells: 12 ounces, cooked with a bit of bite. Grab small or medium shells as they work wonderfully here.
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking and boosting taste.
  • Onion: 1 medium, chopped small. Try using Vidalia or another sweet type for better flavor.
  • Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean. Going with lean means you won't need to drain off extra fat.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, finely chopped. Fresh works best, but you can use 1/2 teaspoon of powder in a pinch.
  • Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, gentle spice for flavor without too much heat.
  • Canned Tomato Sauce: 15 ounces, smooth and rich. You might see it called passata in some stores.
  • Beef Broth: 1/2 cup, adds extra flavor to your sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: 1/3 cup, for that silky finish. Don't swap it for half-and-half as it might break apart.

Creating This Dish

Cook the Pasta
Get some water boiling with salt and cook your shells until they still have a slight firmness. Drain them and put aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
Warm the olive oil in a big pan on medium heat. Cook the onion until it turns golden, around 5 minutes. Put in your ground beef and cook until no pink shows. Drain extra fat if needed.
Add Seasoning and Simmer
Mix in your chopped garlic and chili powder, letting it cook about 1 minute until you can smell it. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, then mix well. Let it bubble gently for 10 minutes so it thickens a bit and the flavors blend.
Incorporate the Cream
Stir in your heavy cream and add salt and pepper how you like it. Cook another 2 minutes to warm it through.
Combine and Serve
Mix your cooked shells into the sauce, making sure they're all covered nicely. Add some fresh parsley or basil on top if you want, and serve right away.

Round Out Your Dinner

This pasta goes great with a basic green salad or some buttery garlic bread to mop up all that amazing sauce. Sometimes I'll add a spoonful of ricotta on top and it melts into the hot pasta making it even creamier. It also tastes great the next day if you have any left.

Storage Tips

You can keep this in the fridge for a few days no problem just put it in a container with a good lid. When you heat it up again add a little splash of cream or broth to make the sauce nice and smooth again. If you're planning meals ahead you can make the sauce beforehand and freeze it then just cook up fresh pasta when you're ready to eat.

A bowl of pasta shells mixed with ground meat and marinara sauce. Pin it
A bowl of pasta shells mixed with ground meat and marinara sauce. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does al dente mean for pasta?
Cooking pasta al dente keeps it firmer and prevents it from getting soggy in the sauce.
→ Why remove extra grease from beef?
Excess grease can make the dish oily. Leaving a small amount adds just the right level of richness.
→ Why simmer the sauce before adding cream?
Cooking it down first intensifies the flavor and avoids making the sauce too runny after adding cream.
→ What portion sizes does this make?
This will feed four to six, depending on whether you serve it solo or with a side dish.
→ Is there a substitute for cream?
Heavy cream is best because it adds richness and won't break or curdle when mixed with tomatoes. Other options might not work as well.

Creamy Beef Shells

Enjoy shell pasta cooked in a rich, creamy meat sauce. Great for weeknight dinners or saving money while still eating well.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Amelia


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound lean ground beef.
02 8 ounces medium dry pasta shells.
03 ½ medium onion, diced small.
04 1 tablespoon olive oil.
05 3 minced garlic cloves.
06 ¼ cup heavy cream (also called whipping cream).
07 Salt and pepper to your liking.
08 1 teaspoon chili powder.
09 1 (14 oz) can of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.
10 ⅓ cup beef stock.

Instructions

Step 01

Follow the directions on the package to boil the pasta until it’s just slightly firm. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Toss in the onion and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the beef and stir until it’s browned. Remove any extra grease.

Step 03

Mix in the garlic and chili powder. Pour in the tomato sauce and broth. Let it bubble gently for 4-5 minutes to thicken a little.

Step 04

Add heavy cream, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Heat it for a minute, then combine with the pasta.

Notes

  1. Easy on the wallet.
  2. Feeds 4 to 6 people.
  3. Done in about half an hour.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pot for boiling pasta.
  • Frying pan or skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 481
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
  • Protein: 34 g