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Creamy Beef and Shells

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender pasta shells with a creamy, savory beef sauce. This rich and flavorful recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and is sure to satisfy your whole family. With ground beef, garlic, and a creamy sauce made with cream cheese and sour cream, it’s a dish that’s both creamy and comforting!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • :
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 12 oz medium pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  • :
  • Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes to heat through and reduce slightly.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the cream cheese and sour cream. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, stirring until they are well coated with the creamy beef sauce.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • :
  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  • You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • To make this dish even more decadent, top with extra cheese and bake in the oven for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg