Description
This Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder comes together in under 30 minutes using simple pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this easy, satisfying dish will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Beef Mixture:
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta shells until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Once browned, drain excess grease and return the beef to the pan.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics & Seasoning
- Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Sauce Base
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir well.
- Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and sour cream.
- Gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Garnish & Enjoy!
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra cheddar cheese, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, comforting meal!
Notes
- Make It Healthier: Use ground turkey instead of beef, and swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian