Creamy Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is a quick and easy dinner that's a favorite of kids and adults alike. This hearty beef and shells is made with a rich and creamy tomato sauce, hamburger, and hidden veggies.
Save this recipe for those busy weeknights when you need a 30 minute pantry meal!
Looking for a jumbo stuffed shells recipe? Be sure to also check out our Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef!
Easy Creamy Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
On nights when I haven't planned what to make for dinner, my default is usually some combination of ground beef, pasta, and pasta sauce.
There's so much you can do with these staples, including everything from Company Casserole to Zucchini Casserole to Cheesy Baked Spaghetti.
But of all the possibilities, creamy pasta shells with ground beef is the one I turn to most often.
This recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, and is a welcome change from plain ol' spaghetti. The creamy tomato sauce comes together in about the same time it takes to boil the pasta. Don't you just love when the timing works out?
Plus, this dish is extremely versatile. Dig up whatever spaghetti sauce and pasta you have on hand, grab those almost-wilty veggies, and you can have an easy, family friendly dinner on the table in a flash!
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Shell pasta- We used medium sized shells (sometimes called salad shells) for this recipe, but you could also make it with bowtie, rotini, or penne pasta.
- Ground beef- We most often have 80/20 ground beef in our fridge and freezer, but you could use a leaner ground beef if you prefer.
- Onion and pepper- This adds flavor, just a hint of sweetness, and nutrition! You can use red, orange, or yellow pepper. I find a red or orange pepper blends in well enough that my kids don't notice it!
- Pasta sauce- Pick up a jar of your favorite pasta sauce. We usually get a garlic or basil sauce. We like Prego for a budget option, but Mid’s is our favorite.
- Heavy cream- This is where you get all that rich creaminess. You can use half and half instead, but the sauce will not be as thick and creamy.
- Cheese- Cheddar cheese melts into the creamy sauce, while a bit of Parmesan cheese finishes the dish for serving.
How to Make Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
Step 1: Start the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta according to package directions for al dente. If the sauce is not quite ready when the pasta is done, drain, then toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking.
Step 2: Saute the hamburger. Saute the ground beef over medium high heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper then remove to a plate.
Step 3: Saute the veggies. In the same skillet, saute the onions and peppers, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the garlic.
Step 4: Make the sauce. Add the ground beef back to the pan, and pour in the pasta sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom as you go. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and stir in the cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
Step 5: Stir in the pasta. Toss the cooked pasta shells with the sauce until thoroughly coated. Serve with grated Parmesan and basil or parsley, if desired.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Leftover beef and shells can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While I don't recommend making the pasta in advance, you can make the creamy beef tomato sauce up to 3 days ahead of time and reheat it on the stove top while you boil the noodles.
What to Serve with Pasta Shells and Ground Beef
Creamy, saucy pasta goes great with a fresh garden salad, green beans, and garlic bread or bread sticks.
My kids also love it with cold cucumber slices and carrots, the go-to easy side for tired parents everywhere.
Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Always salt your pasta water to infuse it with flavor! We follow these guidelines for salting pasta water, but you can eye-ball the measurements!
- We always recommend cooking to al dente, which means the pasta will be cooked, but still have a little bite. Some boxes of pasta include a time for al dente. If they don't we recommend checking the pasta 1-2 minutes earlier than what's listed on the box.
More Ground Beef Pasta Recipes
- Taco Pasta Casserole
- Easy Tortellini Bake
- One Pot Lasagna Soup
- Slow Cooker Goulash with Hamburger
- One Pot Taco Spaghetti
📖 Recipe
Creamy Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 8 ounces shell pasta (sometimes called medium shells or salad shells)
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 sweet bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 24 ounce jar your favorite pasta sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water to al dente. Drain. If the sauce is not quite ready, return it to the pot, and toss with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking.
- Meanwhile, saute the ground beef. Heat enough vegetable oil to coat a large pan. Add the ground beef and spread it evenly across the pan. Cook until the bottom is browned, then flip. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then remove to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the onions and peppers. Saute, stirring occasionally, until the onions and peppers have softened, about 7-9 minutes. Stir in the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. If there is a lot of excess oil, drain it off before proceeding.
- Add the ground beef back to the pan, along with the pasta sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom as you go. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat and stir in the cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Toss the cooked pasta shells with the sauce until thoroughly coated. Serve with grated Parmesan and basil or parsley, if desired.
Leave a Reply