Looking for the ultimate weeknight comfort food? This upgraded version of the classic Hamburger Helper is exactly what you need. My Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy evenings.
This easy pasta dish features hearty ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce made with marinara, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. It’s kid-friendly, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Incredibly Creamy: Thanks to the combo of sour cream, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese.
- Versatile: Add your favorite veggies, switch up the protein, or tweak the cheese.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients—no fancy tools or expensive items needed.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 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 (low-sodium)
- 15 oz marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add ground beef and cook for 3–5 minutes, crumbling with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in beef stock, followed by marinara sauce. Add Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything: Stir in the cooked pasta and browned beef. Add heavy cream, then sour cream, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips and Tricks:
- Cook pasta al dente: This prevents it from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Don’t skip the cheese grating: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
- Drain beef grease wisely: Leave a tablespoon or two for flavor, but too much can make the dish greasy.
Recipe Variations:
- Add veggies: Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the onions.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a kick.
- Use different cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
- Swap the meat: Use ground turkey, sausage, or chicken.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies. It also goes great with bread and butter pickles for a tangy contrast. For dessert, try cannoli poke cake or lemon tiramisu.
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of cream or stock when reheating.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Make-ahead: Prep sauce and freeze separately from cooked pasta. Combine when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can I use a different pasta shape? Yes! Shells are ideal for holding the sauce, but cavatappi, rigatoni, or elbows work great too.
Why is my pasta soggy? You likely overcooked it. Stop cooking 1–2 minutes before the al dente time and rinse with cold water.
Do I need to discard the beef grease? If your beef is fatty, yes. Leave 1–2 tablespoons for flavor, but drain the rest.
Loved this recipe? Leave a rating and comment! For more quick and delicious meals, follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube. Happy cooking! – With love, Catalina