Creamy Beef and Shells: A Sweet and Savory Comfort Food Favorite

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef and creamy sauces with pasta. This recipe is perfect for families or anyone looking for a hearty meal that doesn’t take too long to prepare. It’s a wonderful choice for busy weeknights and can easily please everyone at the table.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

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 (15 oz) 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

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Brown ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, until no longer pink. Remove the beef with a spoon and set aside.
3. Sauté sweet onion and garlic in the same pot until softened.
4. Add Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and paprika, stirring to combine.
5. Sprinkle flour into the pan and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Slowly add the beef stock, stirring until a smooth gravy forms.
7. Stir in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream. Mix well and return the beef to the pot.
8. Add the cooked pasta shells and half of the cheddar cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes until thoroughly heated.
9. Season with salt and pepper. Finish with the remaining cheese and serve hot.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

Serve Creamy Beef and Shells hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Store Creamy Beef and Shells

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts until hot.

Tips to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

• Make it even creamier by adding more heavy cream or cream cheese.
• For added flavor, use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
• You can include vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
• Be sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will cook a bit more when mixed with the sauce.

Variation

You can try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Additionally, replacing the marinara sauce with another type of sauce, such as Alfredo, can give it a different taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately ahead of time. Just combine them when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze Creamy Beef and Shells in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Print