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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells is a viral, comfort-food favorite made with tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this hearty one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 481
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz medium pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small sweet onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 1 15 oz can marinara sauce
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta shells in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
  5. Add garlic and seasonings and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  7. Gradually whisk in beef stock, then add marinara sauce.
  8. Bring to a simmer and cook 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Stir in cooked pasta, ground beef, and heavy cream.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
  11. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
  12. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese and add dairy ingredients off heat to prevent curdling.