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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells: Quick Comfort for Busy Nights

Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick weeknight dinner that brings warmth and cheesy goodness to the table.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Medium Pasta Shells Any shape of pasta can be used.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Prevents sticking during cooking.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 medium Sweet Onion Yellow onion or shallots can be used.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic is key for flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Use oregano and parsley separately if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley Optional.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Fresh oregano can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can replace it.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour For thickening the sauce.
  • 2 cups Beef Stock Can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken stock.
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce Use homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Milk or half-and-half can be lighter alternatives.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can substitute.
  • to taste Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Can swap with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add medium pasta shells and cook until just under al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add Onions and Garlic: Stir in diced sweet onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
  4. Whisk in Flour: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over beef and onion mixture. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef stock, ensuring no lumps.
  5. Combine Sauces and Spices: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 6-8 minutes until thickened.
  6. Stir in Pasta and Cream: Add drained pasta and browned beef back to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Mix in Sour Cream and Cheese: Fold in sour cream until smooth. Gradually add cheddar cheese, mixing until melted.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove with broth or cream.

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