Classic Beef & Shells 🥩🧄🧀🍅 Creamy, Cheesy, and Nostalgic — Like Hamburger Helper, But Way Better

This dish is pure comfort: tender pasta shells folded into a creamy, tomato-beef sauce with garlic, herbs, and a melty cheddar finish. It’s cozy, hearty, and guaranteed to hit the spot — no box mix needed.

Just real ingredients, one skillet, and full-on retro flavor in 30 minutes or less.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the pasta

• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼–½ cup reserved pasta water

For the beef & sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix like cheddar-jack)
• Optional: splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire

To finish

• More cheese for topping
• Chopped parsley or scallions
• Optional: dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil shells in salted water until just shy of al dente. Reserve pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Brown thoroughly, then stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 3: Build the sauce
Add tomato paste and stir until darkened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in tomato sauce and milk. Stir and bring to a simmer. Add pasta water as needed to loosen.

Step 4: Add pasta and cheese
Stir in cooked shells. Simmer 1–2 minutes, then add shredded cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. Adjust with salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire or hot sauce.

Step 5: Serve hot
Plate with extra cheese, herbs, or a dollop of sour cream.

Flavor Variations

• Use ground turkey or sausage for a different spin
• Stir in spinach, peas, or corn for added veg
• Add a splash of cream for extra richness
• Swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick
• Stir in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for bulk and depth

Pro Tips

• Tomato paste = flavor bomb — cook it briefly to concentrate
• Don’t overcook the pasta — finish it in the sauce
• Cheese should be freshly shredded for best melt
• Use pasta water to adjust sauce texture on the fly
• A small splash of vinegar, hot sauce, or Worcestershire can wake it up

Final Thoughts

Classic Beef & Shells is weeknight gold — creamy, cheesy, and craveably familiar with just the right upgrades. It’s quick, customizable, and always hits the comfort-food bullseye.

Brown it. Stir it. Let the shells soak it all up. 🥩🧄🧀🍅

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.