Creamy Beef and Shells: A Comforting Classic for Beginner Cooks 

Creamy Beef and Shells is a hearty, one-pan pasta dish that combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef in a rich, creamy sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights and is especially suitable for beginner cooks due to its straightforward preparation and minimal cleanup. The creamy cheddar sauce, infused with Italian herbs and a touch of smoked paprika, envelops the pasta and beef, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz medium pasta shells
  
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 1 lb 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 marinara sauce
  
  

• ¾ cup heavy cream
  
  

• ¼ cup sour cream
  
  

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  
  

• 1½ cups freshly grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
   

2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
   
   

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion over medium heat until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
   
   

4. Prepare the Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, until the mixture is lightly browned. This will help thicken the sauce.
   
   

5. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the beef stock and marinara sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.Reddit
   
   

6. Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked pasta and browned beef back into the skillet. Stir to combine and ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
   
   

7. Incorporate Dairy: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
   

8. Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and grated cheddar cheese until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
   
   

9. Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells immediately, optionally garnished with additional parsley for a pop of color.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 481 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 34 g
  
  

• Fat: 16 g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 50 g
  
  

• Fiber: 4 g
  
  

• Sugar: 6 g
  
  

• Sodium: 687 mg
  
  

• Cholesterol: 91 mg