Creamy Beef and Shells
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
480 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Beef and Shells
Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a hearty pasta dish featuring medium-sized pasta shells cooked al dente and mixed with ground beef browned and drained for optimal flavor without excess grease. A sauce is built in the skillet with sautéed onion and garlic, thickened with flour, and simmered with beef stock, marinara sauce, and a blend of Italian seasonings including parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika. After simmering, the sauce is combined with the beef and pasta, then enriched with heavy cream and sour cream. Finally, freshly grated cheddar cheese is folded in to melt into the sauce, creating a creamy texture and rich flavor that coats the shells nicely.
The layers of seasoning and the balance of tomato-based sauce and dairy create a comforting meal that works well for family dinners. This recipe is particularly practical because it allows for adjustments, such as adding more marinara for a saucier dish or incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.
Key tips include choosing ground beef with a balanced fat content (such as 80/20) for flavor without excessive grease, draining most of the fat but retaining a small amount for flavor, and cooking the pasta just until al dente to avoid sogginess once combined with the sauce. The dish serves well immediately after cooking for best texture.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta shells medium
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 sweet onion diced, small
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon parsley dried
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
- 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
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Cook pasta per package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water and drain well.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour until lightly browned, for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in beef stock and stir to combine. Add marinara sauce and stir in Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in cooked pasta, and add back beef.
- Next, stir in heavy cream until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
- After that, stir in the sour cream.
- Next, fold in the cheddar cheese until melted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if you'd like.
Notes
- Use ground beef with about 20% fat content for the best flavor and texture; avoid higher fat content or drain excess grease thoroughly.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots along with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of marinara sauce if you prefer a saucier pasta dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 480 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 480kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 66mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 370mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 553mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 221IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 215mg | 22% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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