Creamy Beef and Shells Skillet

Creamy Beef and Shells Skillet is the kind of comforting dinner that brings together everything you want in a satisfying weeknight meal: tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of creamy, melted cheese. Everything comes together in one skillet, making this recipe both hearty and convenient while keeping cleanup to a minimum.

The small shell-shaped pasta is especially perfect for this dish because the sauce settles inside each shell, giving you a creamy, flavorful bite every time. The beef adds richness and texture, while the tomato base provides just enough acidity to balance the creamy sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Before starting, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the seasonings and liquids. Having everything ready is especially helpful because this is a skillet recipe where the ingredients are added one after another.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Place a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef.

Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.

If there is a large amount of excess grease in the skillet, carefully drain some of it, leaving a small amount behind for flavor.

3. Add the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the browned beef. Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds. The garlic should become fragrant without browning too much.

4. Build the Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook it with the beef mixture for about 1 minute. Cooking the tomato paste briefly helps deepen its flavor.

Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated in the seasoned tomato mixture.

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