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–+ servings
Creamy Beef and Shells

Irresistibly Creamy Beef and Shells for Quick Family Dinners

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting and quick dinner ideal for family meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • spacious skillet
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • cutting board
  • knife

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz Medium Pasta Shells Can substitute with cavatappi or elbow macaroni.
  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt For seasoning the pasta water.

For the Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Used for browning the beef.
  • 1 cup Sweet Onion, Diced Shallots or leeks can be used.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, Minced Fresh is best, but garlic powder can be used.

For the Sauce

  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour or cornstarch.
  • 2 cups Beef Stock Chicken stock or vegetable broth can be used.
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce Any tomato-based sauce works.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Milk or lighter cream can be used.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Individual herbs can be used.
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika

For the Finishing Touch

  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, Freshly Grated Can use mozzarella or pepper jack.
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Boil the medium pasta shells in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until just under al dente; drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  • In a spacious skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned (about 3-5 minutes). Drain excess fat.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced sweet onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Toss in minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef stock and season the sauce with Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 6-8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing in the browned beef, heavy cream, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Incorporate sour cream and fold in the grated cheddar cheese until melted.
  • Serve the Creamy Beef and Shells hot, garnished with a sprinkle of dried parsley.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg
Keyword comfort food, Creamy Beef and Shells, Customizable, family meal, Pasta, Quick Dinner
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