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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells: Your New Go-To Comfort Meal

Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick, customizable dish that combines tender pasta shells, savory beef, and a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for family meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Beef
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Medium Pasta Shells gluten-free pasta is an alternative
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil any cooking oil works
  • 1 lb Ground Beef can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options
  • 1 medium Sweet Onion yellow or white onion can be used
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced fresh garlic preferred
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning can add fresh herbs for more flavor
  • 1 tbsp Dried Herbs
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour gluten-free flour can be a substitute
  • 2 cups Beef Stock chicken or vegetable broth can be alternatives
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt or cream cheese are good substitutes
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese can experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook pasta by boiling salted water, adding medium pasta shells, and cooking for 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned, then drain excess fat.
  3. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, sauté diced sweet onion for 2 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over onion and garlic, stir for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in beef stock and marinara sauce. Simmer for 6-8 minutes.
  5. Once thickened, add cooked pasta shells and browned beef, stir to coat in sauce. Add heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Fold in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, warming until melted. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be customized to suit your family's tastes. Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

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