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Creamy Beef and Shells: A Sweet and Savory Comfort Food Favorite

Creamy Beef and Shells: A Sweet and Savory Comfort Food Favorite
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A cozy one-pot meal combining tender pasta shells with rich ground beef, creamy sauce, and a hint of sweetness. Quick, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Brown ground beef, breaking into small pieces, until no longer pink. Remove with a spoon and set aside.
Sauté sweet onion and garlic in the same pot until softened. Add Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, paprika, and stir.
Sprinkle flour into the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add beef stock, stirring until a smooth gravy forms.
Stir in marinara sauce, heavy cream, and sour cream. Mix well and return beef to the pot.
Add cooked pasta shells and half the cheddar cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes until thoroughly heated. Season with salt and pepper.
Finish with remaining cheese and serve hot.

Notes

Pasta can be cooked ahead and stored.
For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and omit sour cream.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.makeourrecipes.com/creamy-beef-and-shells-sweet-and-savory-comfort-food-favorite/