I have a soft spot for dinners that come together fast but still feel like real comfort food, and this Cheesy Ground Beef and Shells recipe is exactly that. It reminds me of those nights when everyone is tired, I am short on time, and I just need something warm and satisfying on the table.
The first time I made this, it was one of those “use what you have” situations. Ground beef, pasta shells, cheese, and a few pantry staples turned into a dinner my family still asks for. If you liked my cozy meals like https://eatpuretaste.com/cream-cheese-chicken-recipe-easy-creamy-delicious/, this one is just as creamy and easy.
Let me walk you through it.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional, chopped parsley for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Cook The Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown The Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Make The Sauce
Add to the skillet:
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors come together.
Step 5: Combine With Pasta
Add the cooked pasta shells into the skillet and stir until everything is coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Add The Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir gently until melted and creamy.
Notes And Variations
This recipe is one of those dinners you can easily adjust depending on what you have.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a cheese blend
- Add a splash of cream for extra richness
- Toss in spinach or mushrooms for added texture
- Use ground turkey instead of beef
- Add chili flakes if you want a little heat
I once added leftover roasted veggies into this, and it turned into one of those accidental wins that everyone loved.
FAQs
Yes. You can prepare it ahead and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yes, but the pasta may soften slightly after reheating. Still delicious though.
📖 Recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef and Shells
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Looking for a no-fuss, family-friendly dinner that satisfies even the pickiest eaters? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Shells is creamy, comforting, loaded with flavor, and made with simple pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. uncooked shell-shaped pasta
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (from 1 large)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ tsp. seasoned salt
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 ¼ lb. ground chuck
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp. dry mustard
- ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 oz. processed cheese, cubed
- 8 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh chives
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Keep warm and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, seasoned salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper.
- Add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in milk and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened, stirring often.
- Gradually stir in processed cheese and Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cooked pasta until fully coated.
- Sprinkle with minced chives and serve immediately.
Notes
A rich and creamy one-pan meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family. Adjust spices to taste and swap cheeses if desired for a different flavor profile.
Recipes You May Like
If you enjoy this cheesy ground beef and shells recipe, here are a few more easy dinners I love:
Conclusion
This cheesy ground beef and shells recipe is one of those meals I keep in my back pocket for busy nights. It is quick, comforting, and always a hit.
Honestly, it is the kind of dinner that makes everyone happy without making a mess in the kitchen, and that is a win in my book.
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