Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this creamy beef and shells recipe! With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of savory ground beef and creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds.
- With just a few simple ingredients and quick prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.
- The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it with your favorite herbs and spices, making it a go-to recipe for any taste preference.
Ingredient Notes:
- Medium pasta shells: These pasta shells provide the perfect bite-sized vessel for the creamy beef sauce to cling to. You can also use other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich flavor to the dish and helps brown the ground beef.
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty and savory base for the sauce.
- Sweet onion and garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth of flavor to the dish.
- Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika: A blend of herbs and spices that give the dish its Italian-inspired taste.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- Beef stock, marinara sauce, heavy cream, sour cream: Combine to create a luxurious and creamy sauce.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy finish to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic, and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika, and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in beef stock, marinara sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Add cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy beef sauce.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To lighten up the dish, use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken before adding the pasta for a richer consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy beef and shells dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze this dish? It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
- Can I omit the sour cream? While the sour cream adds richness to the sauce, you can omit it or substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Conclusion:
Creamy beef and shells is a simple yet satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy the creamy goodness of this comforting meal with your loved ones.
Print
Creamy Beef and Shells
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty pasta dish made with tender shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich creamy sauce. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion diced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 (15oz can) marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and paprika. Cook until onions are translucent.
- Add Flour and Stock: Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir. Pour in beef stock and marinara sauce, simmer until thickened.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with more cheese and parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- This dish reheats well, making it great for leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg