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Homemade Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

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3.8 from 67 reviews

This Homemade Creamy Beef and Shells recipe features tender pasta shells smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with ground beef, marinara, and cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish combines Italian herbs and smoky spices to create a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small sweet onion, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Thickening & Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 1 (15oz can) marinara sauce
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated

Seasoning

  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Once cooked al dente, drain well and set aside.
  2. Brown ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat and remove beef from the skillet, setting it aside.
  3. Cook onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced sweet onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Whisk in flour: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until it’s lightly browned, which will help thicken the sauce later.
  5. Add beef stock and marinara: Gradually whisk in the beef stock to avoid lumps, then add the marinara sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  6. Add herbs and spices: Stir in Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika to infuse the sauce with robust flavor.
  7. Simmer sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 6-8 minutes.
  8. Combine pasta and beef: Stir the cooked pasta back into the skillet along with the browned ground beef, mixing everything evenly.
  9. Add heavy cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  10. Stir in sour cream: Fold the sour cream into the sauce to add tanginess and extra creaminess.
  11. Fold in cheddar cheese: Add the freshly grated cheddar cheese to the skillet and gently fold it until melted thoroughly into the sauce, about 1-2 minutes.
  12. Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells immediately, optionally garnished with extra parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Add a side salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/homemade-creamy-beef-and-shells-recipe/