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Creamy Beef and Shells The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Dinner

Creamy Beef and Shells

An upgraded version of hamburger helper with rich, flavorful marinara sauce, herbs, seasonings, and gooey cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz medium pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
  • 1 small sweet onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef stock preferably organic low-sodium
  • 15 oz marinara sauce 1 can
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • whisk
  • colander

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water until just al dente. Drain well using a colander and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and let sit undisturbed for 90 seconds, then break apart and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat, leaving 1-2 tablespoons, and transfer beef to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet with the browned bits, add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
  5. Gradually whisk in beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add marinara sauce and stir in Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced and slightly thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
  7. Stir in cooked pasta and browned beef, then add heavy cream and stir for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Remove skillet from heat and stir in sour cream until well combined.
  9. Fold in cheddar cheese and stir for 1-2 minutes until completely melted and sauce is smooth and glossy.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor. Cook pasta just to al dente to prevent mushiness. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add extra cream or stock when reheating as pasta absorbs sauce.
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