Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a rich, flavorful, cheesy pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting family favorite combines ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a creamy marinara-based sauce that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 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
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
1. Cook pasta per package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water and drain well.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3–5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. 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 until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in beef stock and stir to combine. Add marinara sauce and stir in Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and paprika.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6–8 minutes.
7. Stir in cooked pasta and add the beef back into the skillet.
8. Stir in heavy cream until heated through, about 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
10. Fold in the cheddar cheese until melted, about 1–2 minutes.
11. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/25) for the best flavor without excessive grease.
Cook the pasta al dente to avoid sogginess when combined with the sauce.
Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of beef drippings for extra flavor if desired.
Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and texture.
Add more marinara sauce if the dish seems too dry.