Creamy Beef and Shells
introduction
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting dish that brings together tender pasta shells and juicy ground beef in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s a family-friendly meal that is both satisfying and delightful. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend treat, this dish delivers on flavor and ease of preparation.
why make this recipe
This recipe is a wonderful choice for several reasons. First, it is quick and straightforward, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, it uses simple, readily available ingredients, which means you won’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store. The creaminess of the sauce combined with the savory beef and pasta makes for a comforting and filling meal that everyone will love. Moreover, it is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust spices and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
how to make Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients:
- 8 oz 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 (15 oz) 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)
Directions:
- Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Make sure to drain the pasta well after cooking and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef until it is browned, which should take about 3-5 minutes. During this time, make sure to break up the beef using a wooden spoon. After browning the meat, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook the onion for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes translucent. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
- Next, sprinkle the flour over the cooked onion and garlic mixture. Whisk in the flour until it becomes lightly browned, which will take about 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in the beef stock while whisking to combine everything smoothly. After that, add the marinara sauce to the mix and stir in the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer while stirring occasionally until the sauce reduces and thickens a bit, which should take around 6-8 minutes.
- After the sauce has thickened, stir in the cooked pasta shells along with the reserved ground beef. Mix everything well.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream and heat through for about 1-2 minutes. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Then, fold in the sour cream, ensuring it’s well incorporated.
- Finally, add the freshly grated cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir until it has melted completely, which will take another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve the Creamy Beef and Shells immediately, garnished with parsley if you wish!
how to serve Creamy Beef and Shells
Serving Creamy Beef and Shells is easy and enjoyable. You can dish out generous portions into bowls or onto plates. Feel free to sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. If you’d like, you can also serve it with a few fresh herbs for an additional pop of color and flavor.
how to store Creamy Beef and Shells
If you have leftovers, storing Creamy Beef and Shells is simple. First, allow it to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the dish to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the dish appears thicker after refrigeration, you can add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it up while reheating.
tips to make Creamy Beef and Shells
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: When cooking the pasta, aim for al dente to ensure it holds up well once mixed with the sauce. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add some red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat in your dishes.
- Cheese Varieties: You can experiment with different kinds of cheese. Mozzarella or provolone can be great alternatives to cheddar for different flavors.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the beef and sauce a day in advance. Just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve, then mix everything together.
- Add Veggies: Consider adding some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
variation
One tasty variation to Creamy Beef and Shells is to turn it into a cheesy baked casserole. After stirring in the cheese, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake it in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. You can also make it lighter by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and substitute with beans or lentils.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use various types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.Can I freeze Creamy Beef and Shells?
Yes, you can freeze it! Make sure to store it in an airtight container. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.What can I serve as a side dish with Creamy Beef and Shells?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make great sides. You can also serve it with a light soup to start the meal.
With its rich flavors and creamy texture, Creamy Beef and Shells is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this hearty recipe!
Print
Creamy Beef and Shells
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Beef
Description
A comforting dish featuring tender pasta shells and juicy ground beef in a rich and creamy sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz 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 (15 oz) 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 the pasta shells according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in beef stock. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked pasta shells and reserved beef. Mix well.
- Slowly stir in heavy cream and heat through for 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Fold in sour cream and freshly grated cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
For a cheesy baked variant, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly. Can be customized with different cheeses or veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: comfort food, creamy pasta, beef dish, family dinner