Creamy Beef Shells
This easy creamy beef shells recipe combines ground beef, pasta, and a luscious tomato cream sauce into one satisfying dish. It’s hearty, comforting, and made in one skillet—perfect for busy nights or comfort cravings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion diced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 15-oz can marinara sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1½ cups grated cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta shells in salted water; drain, reserve ½ cup water.
- Brown beef in skillet with oil; drain and set aside.
- Sauté onion 2 min; add garlic 1 min.
- Whisk in flour for 1 min.
- Add stock, marinara, and spices; simmer 6–8 min.
- Return beef and pasta; stir to coat.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/creamy-beef-shells/
Notes
- Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a handful of spinach at the end for extra veggies.