Creamy Beef and Shells: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Dinner

When you need a hearty, family-friendly meal that comes together fast, Creamy Beef and Shells is the answer. This cozy one-pot pasta combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent and comforting, yet simple enough for busy weeknights.

Inspired by classic boxed pasta dinners—but made completely from scratch—this recipe delivers deeper flavor, better texture, and customizable ingredients. With minimal cleanup and maximum comfort, creamy beef and shells earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

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Why Creamy Beef and Shells Is a Weeknight Favorite

This recipe stands out because it’s:

• Made in one pot
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Budget-friendly and filling
• Kid-approved and adult-loved
• Perfect for leftovers

It’s comfort food without the fuss.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups medium pasta shells
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• ¾ cup tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional garnish: parsley or extra cheese

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet or pot, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add pasta shells, beef broth, milk, and tomato sauce.
5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
6. Lower heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Serve hot with garnish if desired.

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What Makes the Sauce So Creamy

The magic lies in cooking the pasta directly in the liquid. As the shells simmer, they release starch that thickens the sauce naturally. The combination of milk, broth, tomato sauce, and cheese creates a velvety texture without needing heavy cream.

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Choosing the Best Pasta

Medium shells work best because:

• They trap sauce inside
• Cook evenly in one pot
• Hold up well to reheating

Other good substitutes include elbow macaroni or rotini.

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Ground Beef Tips

For best flavor:

• Use 80/20 ground beef
• Drain excess grease to avoid a heavy sauce
• Season generously during browning

You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.

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Cheese Options

Cheddar is classic, but you can mix things up:

• Colby Jack for mild creaminess
• Monterey Jack for smooth melt
• Sharp cheddar for bold flavor
• Add a touch of Parmesan for depth

Freshly shredded cheese melts best.

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Easy Variations

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce
• Veggie Boost: Stir in peas, spinach, or bell peppers
• Extra Cheesy: Add an additional ½ cup cheese
• Creamier Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• Tex-Mex Style: Swap paprika for taco seasoning

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Serving Suggestions

Creamy beef and shells pairs well with:

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Simple green salad
• Steamed broccoli or green beans

It’s a complete meal on its own but flexible enough for sides.

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Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave
• Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce

The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

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Perfect for Families

This dish is:

• Mild enough for kids
• Filling and satisfying
• Easy to double for larger households

It’s a reliable dinner when everyone’s hungry and time is short.

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Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

Creamy beef and shells delivers the nostalgia of boxed pasta dinners with the homemade flavor you want. It’s rich, comforting, and endlessly adaptable—exactly what weeknight cooking should be.