Creamy Beef and Shells: A Comforting Meal in 30 Minutes
What it is and why
Creamy Beef and Shells is a delightful and hearty dish that combines tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights, providing comfort and flavor in just about 30 minutes!
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love Creamy Beef and Shells for its simplicity and delicious taste. It’s a one-pan wonder that is great for families, ensuring everyone gets a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the creamy texture and blend of flavors make it a satisfying dish that appeals to kids and adults alike. It’s the kind of recipe that can easily become a family favorite!
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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 (15 oz can) marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
Substitutions & key variations
If you want to switch it up, here are a few substitutions and variations you could try:
- Pasta: Use any shape of pasta you like, such as penne or fusilli.
- Ground meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
- Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Seasonings: Add crushed red pepper for some heat or switch the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it for about 3-5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it is browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Then, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Whisk in the flour and cook until it’s lightly browned, which should take about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef stock, stirring to combine. Next, add the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Everything
After the sauce has thickened, stir in the cooked pasta and the browned beef. Then, pour in the heavy cream and heat everything through for about 1-2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Add the Final Touches
Finally, stir in the sour cream. Then, fold in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the Creamy Beef and Shells immediately, and feel free to garnish with some chopped parsley if you desire.
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure to cook the beef at medium-high heat for a nice brown without burning.
- Texture: Be careful not to overcook the pasta. It should be al dente since it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Common mistakes: Avoid adding too much salt at the beginning; it is better to adjust at the end for taste.
How to serve
Creamy Beef and Shells are best served warm right after cooking. You can offer it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef stock or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Creamy Beef and Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just cook the pasta fresh and combine everything when ready to serve.
2. How can I make this dish healthier?
Consider using ground turkey or chicken and whole-grain pasta. You can also load it with more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
3. Is it necessary to use fresh cheese?
While using freshly grated cheddar cheese adds great flavor and melts better, pre-shredded cheese can work in a pinch!
4. Can I freeze Creamy Beef and Shells?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container.
5. Can I omit the sour cream?
Yes, you can skip the sour cream if you’re looking for a simpler dish, but it does add a nice creaminess to the overall flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef and Shells is an easy, comforting dish that your whole family will love. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy nights. Why not give it a try? You might just find your new favorite weeknight meal!
Links to related recipes
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
Main 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 cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
Preparation
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta - Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Beef - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it for about 3-5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it is browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Step 3: Cook the Vegetables - In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Then, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cooking
- Step 4: Make the Sauce - Whisk in the flour and cook until it’s lightly browned, which should take about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef stock, stirring to combine. Next, add the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
- Step 5: Simmer - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Step 6: Combine Everything - After the sauce has thickened, stir in the cooked pasta and the browned beef. Then, pour in the heavy cream and heat everything through for about 1-2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 7: Add the Final Touches - Finally, stir in the sour cream. Then, fold in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 8: Serve - Serve the Creamy Beef and Shells immediately, and feel free to garnish with some chopped parsley if you desire.