This creamy beef and shells dish is a rich and cheesy pasta meal that is perfect for the whole family. With tender pasta shells coated in a savory sauce made with ground beef, this dish is a comforting and satisfying dinner that you can make in just 30 minutes. Packed with flavor and topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick and easy dinner that checks all the boxes for a comforting meal. The combination of tender pasta shells, hearty ground beef, and a creamy, flavorful sauce makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s rich in flavor, yet simple to prepare, perfect for a busy weeknight or a family gathering. The cheesy finish with freshly grated cheddar cheese adds that extra indulgence, making each bite a delight.
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
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 (15 oz) can marinara sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 3-5 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the beef stock and stir to combine. Add the marinara sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and browned beef.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Stir in the sour cream and then fold in the grated cheddar cheese until melted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein or mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.
- Cheese Variety: Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- Add Veggies: Include vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a nutritious boost.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and adding a splash of beef stock or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the medium shells with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well as a leaner substitute for the ground beef.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough, let it simmer for a few more minutes, or add an extra tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.
Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Yes, jarred marinara sauce works perfectly in this recipe, though homemade sauce can add extra flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to adjust the spice level.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese you prefer.
Can I skip the beef and make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a vegetarian protein option or vegetables like mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick, hearty, and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights. With its cheesy, creamy sauce and savory beef, it’s a meal everyone will love. Whether you stick to the classic version or try some fun variations, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
Creamy Beef and Shells
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This creamy beef and shells recipe is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish made with tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a creamy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a perfect family meal that's rich in flavor and easy to make. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this quick and hearty dish will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
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
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 (15 oz) can marinara sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the beef stock, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 6-8 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and browned beef. Add heavy cream and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in sour cream and fold in the grated cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
- If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
