Creamy Beef and Shells

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Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells is a delightful dish that combines the comforting taste of pasta with flavorful beef and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a perfect option for family dinners or busy weeknights when you want something filling and satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen. This recipe is not only straightforward, but it also requires ingredients that are simple to find and often staples in your pantry.

Whether you’re seasoned in the kitchen or just starting, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to bring this recipe together. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal. So, if you’re looking for a new family favorite or a dish to impress your friends, Creamy Beef and Shells is the way to go.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Ingredients

8 ounces Medium Pasta Shells
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 pound Ground Beef
1 small Sweet Onion
2 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
1 tablespoon Dried Parsley (optional for garnish)
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
2 cups Beef Stock
1 cup Marinara Sauce
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 cup Sour Cream
to taste Kosher Salt
to taste Black Pepper
1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)

Directions

Cooking Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add in your medium pasta shells. Cook them according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once they’re done, drain and set them aside.
Sauté the Beef:
While the pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped sweet onion. Sauté it for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Following that, add in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
Add the Ground Beef:
Now, it’s time to introduce the ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook it until it’s browned completely, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat after cooking, be sure to drain it off.
Season the Beef:
Next, it’s time to add some flavor. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute.
Make it Creamy:
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and mix it in. This will help thicken the sauce later. Gradually pour in the beef stock while stirring to avoid lumps. After that, add in the marinara sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream. Keep stirring everything until well mixed. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Combine with the Pasta:
Add the drained pasta shells into the beef mixture. Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes, just to heat through.
Add Cheese:
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until it has melted and blended into the creamy sauce.
Serve:
Serve your Creamy Beef and Shells hot, garnishing it with extra parsley or cheese if you like. Enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of settings. It’s perfect as a main course for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Plated: Serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic feel, or plate individual portions with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
Accompaniments: Pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to enhance the meal. The refreshing salad will balance the richness of the cream sauce perfectly.
Beverage Pairing: Consider serving this dish with a light red wine or sparkling water to wash it down.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love pasta, and the cheesy, creamy element of this dish makes it appealing to younger palates. Consider serving it alongside veggies or fruits for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Beef and Shells

Storing Creamy Beef and Shells is straightforward, making it easy to enjoy your leftovers. Here’s how you can do it:

Cooling: Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before storing.
Refrigerate: Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to store Creamy Beef and Shells for a more extended period, consider freezing it. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to label the containers with the date for reference.
Reheating: To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or warm it up on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s consistency. Heat gently to avoid the sauce from becoming too thick or breaking.

Tips to Make Creamy Beef and Shells

Don’t Rush the Browning: Allow the ground beef to brown well. This adds a lot of flavors to the dish that will enhance the overall taste.
Using Fresh Herbs: If you have access to fresh herbs, feel free to use them instead of dried ones for a fresher flavor profile.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or sour cream. Alternatively, if you’d like it richer, feel free to add a bit more!
Pasta Choices: While medium pasta shells are perfect for this recipe, other shapes like elbow macaroni or penne can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Add Veggies: Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the beef mixture. This adds color, flavor, and extra nutrients to your meal.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a fantastic choice, feel free to mix it up with other cheeses, like mozzarella for a stretchy melt or Parmesan for a nuttier flavor.

Variation

One of the great things about Creamy Beef and Shells is its versatility. Here are a couple of variations to try:

Spicy Version: If you enjoy some heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Italian Twist: To give it an Italian twist, mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or black olives for an extra burst of flavor.
Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with a hearty mixture of mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute. Continue as directed for the remaining ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook it in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat before serving.
Is it possible to make a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes! By using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that the beef stock flour is gluten-free, this dish can easily be made gluten-free.
Can I freeze Creamy Beef and Shells?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Make sure to store it in airtight containers. It will keep well for 2-3 months.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten it up, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and sour cream or substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also load it up with more vegetables to balance it out.

Creamy Beef and Shells is a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy making this family-friendly recipe, and don’t forget to put your twist on it!