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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells: A Cozy Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe brings comfort and satisfaction in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Medium Pasta Shells
For the Beef
  • 1 pound Ground Beef opt for ground chuck (80/20)
For the Aromatics
  • 1 small Sweet Onion yellow onion works as an alternative
  • 2 cloves Garlic freshly minced is preferred
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or any cooking oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning use fresh herbs if available
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour can substitute with gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups Beef Stock chicken stock or vegetable broth can be used
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce consider a creamy vodka sauce variation
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream light alternatives like cream cheese or Greek yogurt can be used
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream can be omitted or swapped with full cream
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese other cheeses like Monterey jack or mozzarella can be used

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • colander

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add medium pasta shells and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, and reduce heat to medium. Sauté finely chopped sweet onion for about 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture, whisking continuously for about a minute until lightly golden.
  5. Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef stock and 1 cup of marinara sauce. Add dried Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes.
  6. Stir in the reserved cooked pasta and browned beef. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of sour cream and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted. Serve immediately.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This recipe is fully customizable; feel free to swap ingredients as needed to suit your taste.

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