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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells for Cozy Family Dinners in 30 Minutes

Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick and comforting pasta dish perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells can substitute with other shapes like cavatappi or elbow macaroni
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil any cooking oil works if you prefer a different flavor
  • 1 pound ground beef can swap with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage
  • 1 medium sweet onion yellow or red onions work as a substitute
  • 2 cloves garlic can replace fresh with garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning can substitute with mixed dried herbs or omit
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley can be omitted or modified
  • 1 teaspoon oregano can be omitted or modified
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika can be omitted or modified
For Thickening & Creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour use cornstarch for a gluten-free version
  • 2 cups beef stock vegetable stock or water provides a lighter alternative
  • 1 cup marinara sauce swap for a creamy homemade vodka sauce for a twist
  • 1 cup heavy cream use half-and-half or milk for a lighter option
  • ½ cup sour cream Greek yogurt or cream cheese makes for excellent substitutes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt season to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper season to taste
For Extra Flavor
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese preferably freshly grated; can use mozzarella or pepper jack

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the medium pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving some for flavor.
  3. Add diced sweet onion to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture, stirring quickly. Cook for about 1 minute until the flour is lightly browned.
  5. Gradually whisk in beef stock, ensuring no lumps. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 6-8 minutes until thickened.
  6. Stir in drained pasta shells and reserved beef. Pour in heavy cream and mix thoroughly.
  7. Mix in sour cream and cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 32gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish reheats wonderfully. Consider using various cheese alternatives like mozzarella or pepper jack for a new twist.

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