Creamy Beef and Shells

A comforting aroma fills the kitchen as the creamy beef and shells dish simmers, evoking memories of family dinners around the table. This rich and satisfying recipe takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The combination of hearty beef, pasta, and a luscious sauce creates a dish that everyone will crave.

This recipe is ideal for families and busy individuals looking for a quick yet delicious dinner option. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a satisfying meal after a long day, it can even be prepared in advance and refrigerated, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy sauce perfectly coats the pasta shells for a comforting texture.
• It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it suitable for busy nights.
• One skillet means less cleanup, saving you time and effort.
• Cheesy and hearty, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients before you begin cooking:

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells

For the Meat

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef

For the Sauce

• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 (15oz can) marinara sauce
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese

• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated

Use lean ground beef for a lighter option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey can replace ground beef.
• Any short pasta works if you don’t have shells.
• Use low-fat sour cream for reduced calories.
• Vegetable stock works well instead of beef stock.

How to Make It

Start cooking this delicious dish with these simple steps.

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil salted water in a large pot, then cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.

2. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 3-5 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Whisk in Flour

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic, whisking until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

5. Add Stock and Marinara

Gradually whisk in beef stock until combined, then add marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.

6. Simmer the Sauce

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until reduced and slightly thickened.

7. Combine Pasta and Beef

Stir in the cooked pasta and add the reserved beef back into the skillet.

8. Stir in the Cream

Next, stir in the heavy cream until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.

9. Finish with Sour Cream

After that, stir in the sour cream until evenly mixed.

10. Add Cheese

Fold in the cheddar cheese until melted, about 1-2 minutes.

11. Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave at medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Always season your pasta water well for added flavor.
• Do not overcook the pasta; it should be firm since it will cook further in the sauce.
• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to your preference before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve with garlic bread for a comforting feast.
• Perfect for a potluck or family gathering.