🧀🥩 Creamy Cheesy Beef Pasta Shells

A hearty, family-friendly pasta dish featuring tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This easy one-pan meal is packed with comforting flavors and comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

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🛒 Ingredients

🍝 Pasta

• 12 ounces medium pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

🥩 Beef

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

🧀 Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

🌿 Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta shells until al dente according to the package directions.
3. Drain and set aside.

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2. Brown the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
3. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the garlic and seasonings, then cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

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3. Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
4. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
6. Add the cheddar, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard (if using), stirring until the cheese has melted into a silky sauce.

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4. Combine

1. Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
2. Add the cooked pasta shells.
3. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce.

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5. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

• 🥗 Caesar salad
• 🧄 Garlic bread
• 🥦 Steamed broccoli
• 🥕 Roasted carrots
• 🥒 Cucumber salad

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella.
• Stir in cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• For a baked version, transfer to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.

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🧊 Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.

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🍴 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 31 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fat: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg

Creamy Cheesy Beef Pasta Shells is the ultimate comfort food—tender pasta, savory seasoned beef, and a velvety cheese sauce that makes every bite rich, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. 🧀🍝✨