Creamy Beef and Shells 

This Creamy Beef and Shells dish combines tender pasta shells with hearty ground beef, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce. Aromatic onions and garlic sautéed with Italian herbs create a savory base, while a touch of flour helps thicken the sauce blended from beef stock, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream. Every forkful balances rich, comforting creaminess with meaty satisfaction. Topped with melted cheddar, it's a bowl of pure comfort—ideal for weeknight family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave warm, home-cooked indulgence that’s both simple and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients (serves ~4–6)

• 8 oz (≈225 g) medium pasta shells

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup beef stock

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (≈400 g)

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 1½ cups (≈150 g) shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt & black pepper, to taste 

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water; drain and set aside. 

2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and add ground beef. Cook 3–5 minutes until browned, breaking it up; drain excess fat.

3. Sauté aromatics: Add onion to the beef pan and cook ~2 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

4. Thicken sauce: Stir in flour and cook ~1 minute until lightly browned. Slowly whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce, followed by Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then simmer 6–8 minutes to thicken.

5. Finish creamy sauce: Lower heat, stir in heavy cream and sour cream, and cook 1–2 minutes until warmed through. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

6. Combine and cheese: Add cooked pasta and beef mixture to the sauce, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar until melted. Serve immediately (garnish with parsley if desired).

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)

(Data from EatThisMuch.com)

• Calories: ~912 kcal

• Fat: ~59 g (≈57 % of calories)

• Carbohydrates: ~58 g

• Protein: ~43 g

• Sodium: ~1,157 mg

• Key nutrients: calcium ~396 mg, potassium ~1,090 mg