Creamy Beef and Shells

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights? This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is rich, cheesy, and loaded with comforting flavor. It’s a hearty one-pan meal that blends savory ground beef with tender pasta shells and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for families, busy professionals, or anyone craving a satisfying home-cooked meal.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare

• One-pan meal means fewer dishes

• Kid-friendly and full of familiar flavors

• Budget-conscious and made with pantry staples

• Easily customizable for different preferences

Ingredients Breakdown:

• Medium Pasta Shells (8 oz) – The perfect shape for holding onto all that creamy, meaty sauce.

• Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – Used to sauté and bring everything together.

• Ground Beef (1 lb) – Adds heartiness and bold, savory flavor.

• Sweet Onion (1 small, finely diced) – Brings a mild sweetness to balance the rich sauce.

• Garlic (5 cloves, minced) – Aromatic and bold, it deepens the flavor base.

• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) – A classic herb blend for that signature Italian flair.

• Dried Parsley (1 tsp) – Brightens the dish with a touch of herbiness.

• Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp) – Adds depth and warmth.

• Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp) – Brings a subtle smoky kick.

• All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp) – Helps thicken the creamy, luscious sauce.

• Beef Stock (1 cup) – Enhances the meaty flavor and forms the base of the sauce.

• Marinara Sauce (15 oz can) – Adds tomato richness and a touch of acidity.

• Heavy Cream (3/4 cup) – Makes the sauce luxuriously rich and smooth.

• Sour Cream (1/4 cup) – Adds tang and creamy texture.

• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – To taste; essential for flavor balance.

• Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, freshly grated) – Melts right in for a cheesy finish.

Tips and Tricks

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture.

• Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from getting mushy when added to the sauce.

• Taste as you go and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.

Variations and Customizations

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

• Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

• Change the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

• Make it gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta and flour.

Pairing Suggestions

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette

• A crisp green salad or Caesar salad

• A glass of red wine, iced tea, or sparkling water

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

• To Reheat: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Popular Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just reheat gently before serving.

Is this recipe spicy?
No, but you can easily add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce.

What type of pasta can I use instead of shells?
Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well in this recipe.

Creamy Beef and Shells

---

• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate cozy comfort food—hearty pasta shells wrapped in a rich, savory sauce loaded with seasoned ground beef, herbs, marinara, and melty cheddar cheese. Finished with a splash of heavy cream and sour cream for velvety goodness, this one-skillet wonder is weeknight dinner perfection that the whole family will love.

Advertisements

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz medium pasta shells

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 (15 oz) can marinara sauce

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup sour cream

• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

• 1½ cups freshly grated cheddar cheese

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

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

2. Brown the Beef

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

Advertisements

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add diced onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

4. Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute until lightly golden. This helps thicken the sauce.

5. Add Liquids and Seasonings

Gradually whisk in beef broth, followed by the marinara sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.

6. Simmer the Sauce

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Combine Pasta and Beef

Add the cooked pasta and browned beef back into the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

8. Stir in Cream and Sour Cream

Mix in the heavy cream and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then stir in the sour cream until smooth.

9. Add the Cheese

Fold in the grated cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is velvety.

Notes

• Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh pop of color.

• Great for meal prepping—make a double batch and freeze half.

• Add Parmesan or mozzarella for an even cheesier twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?