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Creamy Beef and Shells (The Ultimate Comfort-Food Dinner)

Creamy Beef and Shells (The Ultimate Comfort-Food Dinner)
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Creamy Beef and Shells is a rich, cheesy comfort-food classic that the whole family will love. Tender pasta shells are coated in a creamy tomato sauce with seasoned ground beef and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy one-pan-style dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 8 oz 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

  • 1½ cups freshly grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat and remove beef from the skillet.

  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  • Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until lightly browned.

  • Gradually whisk in the beef stock until smooth. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

  • Stir in the cooked pasta and return the beef to the skillet.

  • Add the heavy cream and cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Stir in the sour cream until fully combined.

  • Fold in the cheddar cheese and cook for 1–2 minutes until melted and creamy.

  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and better texture.

  • Don’t overcook the pasta—slightly al dente works best in creamy sauces.

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

  • Add heat with red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.

  • Great leftovers: Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/creamy-beef-and-shells-the-ultimate-comfort-food-dinner/