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