Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, look no further than this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Even picky eaters and kids fall in love with this dish thanks to the tender pasta shells smothered in a luxurious, cheesy beef sauce.

This recipe is one of those meals that checks all the boxes: it’s quick, satisfying, and loaded with flavors from garlic, onions, Italian seasonings, and smoked paprika. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Kid-friendly: Cheesy, creamy, and comforting—kids will actually ask for seconds.
• Rich flavor profile: Ground beef, garlic, onions, and Italian spices create a bold, satisfying sauce.
• Creamy, cheesy texture: Combines heavy cream, sour cream, and cheddar for ultimate indulgence.
• Customizable: Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition.
• One-pan-friendly: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

The recipe serves 6 people and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Pasta

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells

Beef Mixture

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 (15oz) can marinara sauce
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese

• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated

Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for perfectly creamy beef and shells every time:

Step 1: Cook Pasta

• Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt.
• Cook 8 ounces of medium pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add 1 pound ground beef and cook for 3–5 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
• Drain excess fat, leaving 1–2 tablespoons for flavor, and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Make the Sauce Base

• Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned.
• Gradually whisk in 1 cup beef stock until smooth.
• Add 1 can (15oz) marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.

Step 5: Simmer

• Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Beef

• Add the cooked pasta and browned beef back into the skillet.
• Stir to combine evenly with the sauce.

Step 7: Add Creams

• Stir in ¾ cup heavy cream and cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
• Mix in ¼ cup sour cream for extra richness.

Step 8: Melt the Cheese

• Fold in 1 ½ cups freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted, about 1–2 minutes.
• Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.

Step 9: Serve

• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
• Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Ground beef selection: For this pasta, use ground round (85/25) or ground chuck (80/20) for less fat and better flavor control. Avoid 70/30, which can leave excess grease.
• Sauce consistency: If the pasta looks dry, add a little more marinara sauce or beef stock.
• Vegetables: Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots with the onion and garlic for added nutrition.
• Cheese swaps: Use mozzarella for a stretchier, gooier version or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat.

Flavor Profile

This dish offers:

• Creamy texture from the heavy cream, sour cream, and melted cheddar.
• Savory depth from browned beef and garlic.
• Mild smokiness from paprika.
• Balanced herbs from Italian seasoning, parsley, and oregano.
• Comforting warmth in every bite, perfect for colder nights.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	39 g
Sugars	6 g
Fat	23 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Fiber	2 g
Cholesterol	66 mg
Sodium	370 mg

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and gluten. Can be adapted with dairy-free cream and gluten-free pasta if needed.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Advance prep: Dice onions and garlic, measure spices, and grate cheese ahead of time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or stock if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or rotini can be used instead of shells.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable stock.

3. Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

4. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook pasta just al dente and combine with the sauce right after. Overcooking will lead to mushy texture.

5. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Sauté zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, or spinach along with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep ingredients	10 minutes
Cook pasta	10 minutes
Brown beef	3–5 minutes
Sauté onion & garlic	3 minutes
Simmer sauce	6–8 minutes
Combine pasta, beef & creams	3 minutes
Melt cheese & serve	2 minutes
Total	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.
• Sprinkle extra cheddar or parmesan on top for cheesy indulgence.
• Garnish with parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Pair with a side of roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Creamy Beef and Shells – Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
2. Cheesy Veggie Shells – Add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
3. Bacon Cheddar Beef Shells – Toss in cooked crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
4. Italian Herb Shells – Replace marinara with a tomato-basil sauce for a fresher flavor profile.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Beef

Choosing the right beef is crucial. Ground chuck (80/20) is ideal for flavor, while ground round (85/25) is leaner but still moist. Avoid 70/30 unless you plan to drain excess fat.

Heavy Cream & Sour Cream

These two ingredients create the signature creaminess of the sauce. Heavy cream adds richness, while sour cream adds tang and silkiness. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Drain grease carefully: Leave 1–2 tablespoons for flavor, discard the rest.
• Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the sauce aggressively to prevent curdling the cream.
• Cheese technique: Fold in cheese gradually over low heat to prevent clumping.
• Herb timing: Add dried herbs during sauce simmering for maximum flavor extraction.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or stock to restore creamy texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	39 g
Fat	23 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	6 g
Cholesterol	66 mg
Sodium	370 mg

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and gluten. Adaptable for vegetarian or gluten-free diets.

Expanded Conclusion

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a true weeknight hero—quick, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. From the tender pasta shells to the rich, flavorful beef sauce, every bite delivers comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing for a cozy solo dinner, this recipe is a surefire hit.

Try adding vegetables, switching up the cheese, or even making it spicy to suit your preferences. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad to round out the meal. Once you try it, this will likely become a staple in your dinner rotation.

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