Creamy Beef and Shells
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 marinara sauce
15oz can
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- to tasteKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
freshly grated
Directions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water and drain well.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- 3
To the same skillet, add diced onion, and cook for 2minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 4
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, for about 1 minute.
- 5
Gradually whisk in beef stock and stir to combine. Add marinara sauce and stir in Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and paprika.
- 6
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
- 7
Stir in cooked pasta, add back beef.
- 8
Stir in heavy cream until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
- 9
Stir in sour cream.
- 10
Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, about 1-2 minutes.
- 11
Serve immediately, garnish with parsley if desired.
Creamy Beef and Shells
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together in a flash? This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe delivers rich, savory flavor in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe truly works its magic by combining classic comfort elements. The savory ground beef forms a robust foundation, while aromatic onion and garlic create depth. A clever blend of marinara, beef stock, heavy cream, and sour cream, thickened with a touch of flour, creates a luxuriously smooth and flavorful sauce that perfectly coats every medium pasta shell.
Expect a deeply satisfying, home-style dish that’s both familiar and wonderfully indulgent. Each bite offers tender pasta embracing a rich, well-seasoned beef sauce with a delightful balance of tangy tomato and creamy dairy. The melted cheddar cheese adds a gooey, irresistible finish, making this a dish that feels special yet is incredibly straightforward to prepare. It's a hug in a bowl, designed to be both hearty and effortlessly delicious.
Customization & Variations
- Cheese Swap: While cheddar is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Colby Jack blend.
- Herb Boost: For a brighter flavor, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil as a garnish would be wonderful right before serving.
- Spice Level: The smoked paprika provides a gentle warmth; you could increase this slightly for a bit more depth, or ensure it's balanced with the other seasonings to your taste.
This Creamy Beef and Shells dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.