Creamy Beef and Shells
Embark on a culinary adventure with Creamy Beef and Shells, a dish that combines the richness of beef, the creaminess of cheese, and the perfect blend of spices. In this article, we’ll guide you through each step of the preparation, providing expert tips and personal experiences to make your cooking journey enjoyable and successful.
Ingredients:
| INGREDIENT | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Medium pasta shells | 8 oz |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Sweet onion (diced) | 1 small |
| Garlic (minced) | 5 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Beef stock | 1 cup |
| Marinara sauce (15oz) | 1 can |
| Heavy cream | 3/4 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/4 cup |
| Kosher salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Cheddar cheese (freshly grated) | 1 1/2 cups |
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water.
- Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (approximately 3-5 minutes), breaking it with a wooden spoon.
- Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Step 4: Create the Base
- Whisk in flour until lightly browned (approximately 1 minute).
- Gradually whisk in beef stock, then add marinara sauce.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
Step 5: Simmer and Blend
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (about 6-8 minutes).
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Beef
- Stir in the cooked pasta and add back the browned beef.
Step 7: Introduce Creaminess
- Next, stir in heavy cream until heated through (approximately 1-2 minutes).
- Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
Step 8: Final Touch
- After that, stir in the sour cream.
- Fold in the cheddar cheese until melted (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.
- Enjoy your delightful Creamy Beef and Shells!
