One-Pot Creamy Beef And Shells (Homemade Hamburger Helper)

Easy, cheesy, nostalgic 30-minute creamy beef and shells recipe is simple to make. This homemade hamburger helper features savory ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce for a budget-friendly and kid-approved meal that the whole family will request again and again!

Hamburger Helper was one of my favorite meals when I was a kid. Let’s be real – anything mac and cheese-related was my favorite!

I ate box after box of the stuff until I had kids of my own and wanted to give them healthier ingredients while cutting out all the unnecessary crap.

So that meant ditching the boxes of mac and cheese and Hamburger Helper and creating my own homemade versions.

I started by making a super dependable and delicious mac and cheese.

Then I went through one of my many crock pot phases and developed my Crock Pot Hamburger Helper.

But I wanted a dependable go-to skillet version of this ultimate comfort food that can be made on the stove in about 30 minutes so that it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

I did quite a bit of experimenting as I was developing this recipe. I had to get the perfect creamy tomato sauce – the ratio of tomato sauce to cheese had to be just right to get that creamy texture I crave!

Well, all I can say is that I finally nailed it. I make a large skillet of this meal, and my 3 boys polish it off in minutes (and they’re picky eaters)!

I hope your family loves it just as much as we do!

If you want additional ideas for easy and wholesome pasta dinners, try my Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake or Chili Mac!

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe Ingredients

I bet you have most of these simple ingredients for this easy ground beef recipe in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand to make homemade Hamburger Helper.

• Dry Medium Pasta Shells
• Lean Ground Beef – ground turkey or chicken will work as well
• Onion – chopped. Could use onion powder instead.
• Garlic – minced. Could use garlic powder instead.
• Italian Seasoning
• Flour – all-purpose
• Beef Stock
• Tomato Sauce
• Heavy Cream – I haven’t actually tried using low-fat milk, but I think it would work (it just won’t be quite as creamy).
• Salt & Pepper – to taste
• Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese – shredded

NOTE: For more recipe details, please check out the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of the post!

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

You’ll appreciate how much the entire family loves this easy recipe on busy nights (and leftovers are just as tasty)!

Step 1 – Cook Pasta

Begin by cooking the pasta. Once it has cooked, drain and set to the side.

Step 2 – Brown Hamburger Meat

Cook the hamburger along with the onions over medium-high heat.  Drain excess fat, then place hamburger back in skillet. 

Add the garlic to the hamburger and cook for 1 additional minute.

Step 3

Sprinkle flour into the hamburger.

Step 4

Add in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Stir the mixture.

Step 5

Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer.

Step 6

Add pasta and heavy cream to the meat mixture.

Step 7

Add cheese and stir until melted.

Step 8

Serve and enjoy your creamy beef and shells dinner!

Creamy Beef And Shells Notes And Expert Tips

Make this one-pot meal perfectly every time with these tips and tricks.

• If you don’t have shell pasta, you can use your preference such as macaroni, bowtie, or rigatoni.

• Shred your cheese from a block. It will melt more evenly and taste better. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from clumping and doesn’t melt as well.

• It is best to cook the pasta al dente before adding to the meat mixture as it will continue to cook.

• Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to prevent it from sticking together and so that it cooks more evenly.

How To Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

If you want to make this hearty meal a complete meal, here are some serving ideas.

Bread – Pair this dish with a batch of Air Fryer Cheese Bread or Pretzel Bread Rolls or even your favorite garlic bread.

Salad – Add a fresh veggie side dish like our Easy Broccoli Salad or Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Bacon.

Dessert – Ice cream is fabulous with everything, right?!?! Try our No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream or No-Churn Raspberry Ice Cream to satisfy those after-dinner sweet tooths.

Variations Of Creamy Beef and Shells To Try

Want to change things up with this pasta dish? Here are some delicious ideas you can try!

• Add a splash or two of hot sauce. It will not make your dish spicy, it will help to enhance all the flavors in this dish.

• If you like a little extra spiciness, drop in some diced or sliced jalapenos – or even crushed red pepper flakes.

• Sprinkle with some fresh parsley for a pop of color.

• Shave fresh parmesan on the top of the dish just before serving.

• Love tomatoes? Add in a can of diced, drained tomatoes. YUM!

• Add diced bell peppers for color.

• Add some tang with a dash of mustard powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

• Change up the meat – if you’re trying to stay away from red meat, swap the hamburger out for ground chicken or ground turkey. It won’t taste the same, but it’ll still be delicious! Or add a totally different flavor by using ground Italian sausage.

Make It Gluten-Free 

Make this easy ground beef pasta recipe suitable for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance by using a gluten-free pasta. Most grocery stores (and Amazon) have suitable gluten-free pasta options. 

Beef stock is not always gluten-free so be diligent in finding a brand that is.

Gluten-free flour should be used instead of regular flour. Also, Italian Seasoning is generally gluten-free, but make sure that your brand is acceptable.

Make It Dairy-Free

There are several dairy-free shredded cheese brands available. Brands will vary from store to store.

You are sure to find several good dairy-free options for the heavy cream. You may also use a dairy-free whipping cream. The only difference is that heavy cream is thicker and creamier than whipping cream but will work just as well.

Creamy Beef And Shells Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 – 4 days.

Place in an air-tight, freezer-safe container and place in freezer for up to 2 – 3 months. To thaw, place in refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or a saucepan on the stovetop.

Creamy Beef And Shells FAQs

Can I make the Creamy Beef and Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and reheat in microwave or in a saucepan on the stove when ready to serve.

Another option is to prepare the sauce and shred the cheese in advance. Prepare the pasta before you are ready to serve, add sauce, heavy cream, and cheese. Serve and enjoy!

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

I have seen conflicting suggestions about using half and half. I prefer to use heavy cream for the creaminess so I can not speak to the use of half-and-half. Half and half may curdle due to the acidity in the tomato sauce.

If you decide to try it, remember that half-and-half is a mixture of milk and cream, while heavy cream is mostly cream so be mindful that the dish will be less creamy with half-and-half.

What other types of cheese could I use in place of the cheddar?

Great question! I always suggest using what you and your family enjoy the most. Mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Mexi-Blend are all great choices. If you want to be a little more bougie, Gruyere, pecorino, asiago or gouda are great options. 😉

More Mouthwatering and Nourishing Main Dish Recipes To Try

• Chicken Pot Pie Casserole With Biscuits
• Chicken Broccoli Lasagna (Easy Alfredo)
• Chicken And Rice Enchiladas
• Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Weeknight Dinner
• Mexican Stuffed Shells
• Cheesecake Factory Chicken Bellagio (Copycat Recipe)

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