My husband begged me not to make this again… he just couldn’t stop eating it
Take your taste buds on a delicious journey with Creamy Beef and Shells, a comforting dish that combines hearty beef, rich cheese, and a perfect mix of spices. This guide will walk you through each step, with helpful tips to make your cooking experience simple and enjoyable.
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients:
- 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 – 1 ½ cups
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned (3–5 minutes), breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, cook the diced onion for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
Whisk in the flour for 1 minute until lightly toasted. Gradually add beef stock, then stir in the marinara sauce. Mix in Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Beef
Add the cooked pasta and browned beef to the sauce, stirring to combine.
Step 7: Add Creaminess
Stir in the heavy cream and heat through for 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
Step 8: Final Touches
Mix in the sour cream. Fold in the cheddar cheese until melted, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, optionally garnished with parsley. Enjoy your rich and comforting Creamy Beef and Shells!
