Creamy Beef and Shells

Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 (15 oz can) marinara sauce
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Cook pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain well.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it with a wooden spoon (about 3-5 minutes).
   • Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
   • Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Create the Sauce:
   • Whisk in flour until lightly browned (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 until slightly thickened (about 6-8 minutes).
5. Combine Pasta and Beef:
   • Stir in cooked pasta and add back the browned beef.
6. Add Creaminess:
   • Stir in heavy cream until heated through (about 1-2 minutes).
   • Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
7. Finish with Cheese:
   • Stir in sour cream.
   • Fold in cheddar cheese until melted (about 1-2 minutes).
8. Serve:
   • Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

• Garnish: Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese can be used for garnish.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy the rich and creamy goodness of this Creamy Beef and Shells dish. It’s the perfect comfort food that the whole family will love.