Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting dish that brings together pasta, ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce all in one pot. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or for gatherings with family and friends. This recipe combines flavors and textures to create a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Not only is it hearty and filling, but it’s also easy to make and requires minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for any home cook.
This dish is versatile and can suit a variety of palates. Whether you are cooking for kids, picky eaters, or even just for yourself, Creamy Beef and Shells is an excellent choice. Plus, the creamy sauce coupled with melted cheese offers a satisfying comfort food experience. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
To get started with making Creamy Beef and Shells, gather all your ingredients and follow these easy steps. The process is simple, and the end result is delicious.
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)
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook until fragrant, roughly around 1 minute.
Add Flour: Whisk the flour into the skillet until it turns lightly brown, which should take about a minute.
Incorporate Liquids: Gradually whisk in the beef stock, stirring to combine everything. Next, add the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until it is reduced and slightly thickened, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Beef: Stir in the cooked pasta and add the browned beef back into the skillet.
Add Cream: Now, slowly stir in the heavy cream. Heat the mixture through for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. After that, fold in the sour cream.
Melt the Cheese: Finally, add the grated cheddar cheese and fold it in until melted, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
Serve: Serve your Creamy Beef and Shells immediately. If you’d like, you can garnish it with some fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells
Creamy Beef and Shells can be served as a main dish. It’s hearty enough on its own, given the beef and pasta combination, but you can always accompany it with a simple salad or some garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a light side salad can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.
If you are serving guests or preparing a meal for family, consider offering some extra grated cheese or crushed red pepper flakes on the side to customize each serving. The beauty of this dish is how well it holds up, making it perfect for serving either as a cozy meal or as a dish for a more formal occasion.
How to Store Creamy Beef and Shells
Storing Creamy Beef and Shells is easy. Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave until warm. You may want to add a splash of milk or a bit of beef stock before reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.
If you want to store it for a longer period, Creamy Beef and Shells can be frozen. Place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it as mentioned above.
Tips to Make Creamy Beef and Shells
Ground Meat Choices: While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like crumbled tofu or veggie crumbles for a lighter version.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can provide a unique twist on the dish.
Add Vegetables: For more nutritional value, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the sautéing step. This not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the healthiness of the meal.
Make It Spicy: If you enjoy some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef while cooking.
Use Fresh Herbs: If you happen to have fresh herbs like parsley or basil, feel free to sprinkle some on top just before serving for an added pop of freshness.
Variation
This dish is incredibly adaptable. Here are a couple of variations you might enjoy:
Creamy Chicken and Shells: Swap out the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken for a lighter option.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells: Skip the separate cooking of pasta and cook it directly in the sauce with enough beef stock to ensure it cooks through, making clean-up even easier.
FAQs
1. Can I make Creamy Beef and Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge after cooking, then reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Creamy Beef and Shells freeze well. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.
3. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or lentils and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for the sauce.
4. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To make it lighter, use ground turkey or chicken, low-fat cream, and reduce the amount of cheese.
5. What can I serve with Creamy Beef and Shells?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a garden salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
With its creamy texture, meaty goodness, and great flavor, Creamy Beef and Shells is a dish that no one can resist. Enjoy making this easy recipe that is sure to become a family favorite!
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Creamy Beef and Shells
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting one-pot meal featuring pasta, ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect for busy nights or family gatherings.
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 the pasta shells in boiling salted water according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat; add ground beef and brown for 3-5 minutes, then drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Whisk flour into the skillet until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in beef stock, followed by marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in cooked pasta and browned beef.
- Slowly stir in heavy cream and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then fold in sour cream.
- Add grated cheddar cheese and fold it in until melted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition or using different types of cheese for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Creamy Beef and Shells, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal, Pasta Recipe