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Creamy Beef and Shells

Irresistibly Creamy Beef and Shells: Quick Comfort in 30 Minutes

Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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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 skillet
  • Pot
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz Medium Pasta Shells

For the Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 lean preferred
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil For browning
  • 1 medium Sweet Onion Can substitute with yellow onion
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Or use a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme

For the Sauce

  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour Can swap with gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups Beef Stock Can substitute with chicken stock or vegetable broth
  • 15 oz Marinara Sauce Homemade or store-bought
  • 3/4 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt also works
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Can reduce or omit for less heat

For the Finishing Touches

  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground
  • 1.5 cups Cheddar Cheese Can use mozzarella or pepper jack
  • 1 tbsp Dried Parsley Optional for garnish

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the medium pasta shells according to package instructions, until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil and add the ground beef. Brown it for 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the diced sweet onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Then, stir in minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.
  • Whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking for about 1 minute until it turns lightly golden.
  • Gradually whisk in beef stock and then mix in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, parsley, and smoked paprika. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes until thickened.
  • Stir the cooked pasta and browned beef into the skillet. Mix in heavy cream and heat for 1-2 minutes.
  • Fold in sour cream and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container. Heat gently with a splash of milk or broth for restoration of creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 4mg
Keyword 30 Minutes, comfort food, Creamy Beef and Shells, family meal, Pasta, Quick Dinner
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