My husband begged me not to make this again… he just couldn’t stop eating it
Treat yourself to a cozy, flavor-packed meal with Creamy Beef and Shells. This comforting dish brings together savory ground beef, velvety cheese, and perfectly balanced spices in a rich, creamy sauce. Follow these easy steps and helpful tips for a stress-free cooking experience and a satisfying result every time.
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
- Medium pasta shells – 8 oz
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Ground beef – 1 lb
- Sweet onion, diced – 1 small
- Garlic, minced – 5 cloves
- Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
- Dried parsley – 1 tsp
- Dried oregano – ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika – ½ tsp
- All-purpose flour – 2 tbsp
- Beef stock – 1 cup
- Marinara sauce (15 oz) – 1 can
- Heavy cream – ¾ cup
- Sour cream – ¼ cup
- Kosher salt and black pepper – to taste
- Cheddar cheese, freshly grated – 1½ cups
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain any excess fat and remove beef from the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to lightly toast. Slowly whisk in the beef stock, then add the marinara sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Add Beef and Pasta
Return the browned beef to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 7: Add the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and heat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 8: Finish with Cheese
Stir in the sour cream, then gently fold in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 9: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired. Enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting bowl of Creamy Beef and Shells.
