Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals. Tender pasta shells are smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with savory ground beef, garlic, and Italian seasonings, creating a hearty dish everyone will love. The combination of beef stock, marinara, heavy cream, and a touch of sour cream gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture, while freshly grated cheddar cheese adds a gooey, cheesy finish.

This recipe is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for those who want a satisfying pasta dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and savory flavors, Creamy Beef and Shells is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Pasta:
8 ounces medium pasta shells

Meat & Oil:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef

Produce & Aromatics:
1 small sweet onion, finely diced
5 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs & Spices:
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef stock
1 (15-ounce) can marinara sauce
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup sour cream

Cheese:
1 ½ cups freshly grated cheddar cheese

Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, dried parsley, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and allow the spices to bloom for a minute.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly. Slowly pour in the beef stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the marinara sauce, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken and blend the flavors.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Serve

Stir in freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Beef and Shells

1. Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta; it should finish cooking slightly in the sauce.
3. For extra richness, add a splash of cream at the end.
4. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or stock to restore creaminess.

Variations

• Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
• Swap the cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Bake it in the oven with extra cheese on top for a cheesy baked version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sauce and beef mixture in advance. Cook the pasta fresh and combine just before serving.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well with this creamy sauce.

Q3: Can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze the pasta and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.

Q5: Can I substitute the cream or sour cream?
Yes. Half-and-half or Greek yogurt can be used, though Greek yogurt may add slight tanginess.

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Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, hearty, and cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual weeknight meals. With tender pasta, a rich creamy sauce, and savory ground beef, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and flexible enough to adapt to your personal tastes.