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Creamy Beef and Shells

A comforting bowl of creamy beef and shells filled with tender pasta and a luscious sauce, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Beef
  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small sweet onion (diced)
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 1 15 oz can marinara sauce
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3-5 minutes, breaking it up until browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
  3. Using the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion starts to get translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Whisk the all-purpose flour into the skillet with the onions and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until lightly browned.
Cooking
  1. Gradually whisk in the beef stock, then add the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Stir in the cooked pasta and return the browned beef to the skillet. Mix until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Finally, stir in the sour cream and fold in the freshly grated cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Creamy beef and shells is best served hot. For an attractive presentation, serve in shallow bowls. Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.