My husband said to never ever make this again… because he couldn’t stop eating it!
Embark on a culinary adventure with Creamy Beef and Shells, a dish that brings together the richness of beef, the creaminess of cheese, and a perfectly balanced blend of spices. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the preparation, with helpful tips and insights to make your cooking experience enjoyable and rewarding.
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Medium pasta shells | 8 oz |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Sweet onion, diced | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 5 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | ½ tsp |
| Smoked paprika | ½ tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Beef stock | 1 cup |
| Marinara sauce (15 oz) | 1 can |
| Heavy cream | ¾ cup |
| Sour cream | ¼ cup |
| Kosher salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Cheddar cheese, freshly grated | 1½ cups |
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the pasta
Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3 to 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 3: Sauté onion and garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, roughly 1 minute more.
Step 4: Create the base
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it turns lightly browned. Gradually whisk in the beef stock, then stir in the marinara sauce. Add the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
Step 5: Simmer and blend
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly—about 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 6: Combine pasta and beef
Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce, then add the browned beef back to the skillet.
Step 7: Introduce creaminess
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it’s heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 8: Final touch
Stir in the sour cream, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until it’s completely melted, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy!
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your creamy, comforting bowl of Beef and Shells!
