The stovetop creamy beef and shells is the ultimate weeknight dinner: rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. This one-skillet wonder blends tender pasta shells with perfectly seasoned ground beef and a lusciously creamy sauce made with parmesan and cheddar cheeses. It’s comfort food elevated with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends, this dish comes together quickly and leaves everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this hearty pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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8 oz medium pasta shells
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1 1/2 cups beef broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Push beef to one side of the skillet. Add olive oil, diced onion, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
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Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well with the beef.
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Add uncooked pasta shells, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
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Stir in parmesan and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 595 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
If there’s one thing we all crave after a long day, it’s a hearty, comforting meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. Enter the Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet, a rich, cheesy, one-pot wonder that will make your dinner routine easier and more delicious than ever.
This dish is the perfect balance of savory ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a velvety, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, prepping meals for the week, or hosting a casual dinner gathering, this skillet meal checks every box.
A Comfort Food Classic Reinvented
Comfort food is about warmth, satisfaction, and nostalgia and this dish delivers all that with a modern twist. Inspired by traditional hamburger helper-style meals but made from scratch with real ingredients, this creamy beef pasta upgrades the boxed version with rich textures and elevated flavors.
The secret to its crave-worthy taste lies in the layers: the umami-rich ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, the deep tomato flavor from the paste, and a blend of cheddar and parmesan that turns the sauce into creamy bliss. The paprika and Italian seasoning bring warmth and depth, while the cream adds a luxurious, silky finish.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the biggest appeals of this dish is how easy it is to make. There’s no need to boil pasta separately, dirty multiple pans, or babysit a long simmer. Everything happens in one large skillet, making prep and cleanup a breeze.
It starts with browning the ground beef and layering in flavor with aromatics and spices. Then you add the pasta, broth, and cream, and let the magic happen. As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the broth and cream, creating a cohesive dish where every bite is rich and flavorful.
This method is not only efficient, but it also intensifies the flavor as the pasta soaks in all the goodness of the seasoned beef and sauce. No bland noodles here, just robust, comforting bites from beginning to end.
Ingredient Spotlight
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish shine:
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Ground Beef: Use 80/20 for maximum flavor. It’s hearty and satisfying, providing the rich base for the entire dish.
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Pasta Shells: The shape is ideal for catching and holding onto the sauce, delivering flavor in every bite. You can substitute with elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini based on preference.
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Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, smooth texture in the sauce that takes it from good to great. For a lighter option, half-and-half or even whole milk can work, but you’ll lose some of that indulgent mouthfeel.
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Cheddar & Parmesan: Cheddar brings that gooey, melty comfort, while parmesan adds sharpness and depth. Don’t skip the parmesan, it balances the richness beautifully.
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Tomato Paste: A small spoonful brings bold umami and a touch of acidity that lifts the entire dish. It’s a subtle, yet powerful flavor enhancer.
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Seasonings: Italian seasoning and paprika bring just enough complexity to keep things interesting without overpowering the creamy goodness.
Adapt It Your Way
One of the great things about this creamy beef pasta is how easy it is to customize. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, pantry supplies, or flavor preferences. Here are a few fun variations:
Swap the Protein
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Ground turkey or chicken: Lightens things up while still delivering flavor.
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Italian sausage: Adds a spicy, herby kick.
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Meatless crumbles or mushrooms: For a vegetarian-friendly version.
Add More Veggies
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Toss in spinach, peas, or broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Stir in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
Spice It Up
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Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
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A sprinkle of smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika will add depth and smokiness.
Try Different Cheeses
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Mozzarella for stretchiness.
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Gruyère for a gourmet twist.
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Cream cheese to boost richness even more.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This recipe is a meal prep superstar. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats like a dream, making it perfect for leftovers or lunches.
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To store: Place cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
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To reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth and microwave gently or reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Stir to keep it creamy.
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To freeze: While pasta and cream don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve with It
This dish is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. Here are a few ideas:
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Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: For dipping into that luscious sauce.
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Simple Green Salad: Dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
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Roasted Veggies: Like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
Make It a Family Favorite
Kids love this recipe because it’s creamy, cheesy, and easy to eat. Adults appreciate the balance of flavors and the convenience. Make it once, and it’s likely to join your regular dinner rotation.
You can also make this dish part of your weekly meal plan by switching up the spices and add-ins each time. It’s a great way to keep things fresh without starting from scratch.
Conclusion
This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is more than just a quick meal, it’s a satisfying, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table. With rich flavors, a creamy texture, and a hearty base, it ticks all the boxes for an ideal weeknight dinner. Plus, the one-pan method makes it perfect for busy households or anyone who wants a home-cooked meal without the mess.
From casual dinners to meal prep sessions, this pasta is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. The best part? You can make it your own every time you cook it.
So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.