Description
Indulge in a bowl of Creamy Beef and Shells with Vegetables – Nutritious and Delicious! This easy, family-friendly recipe combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef, a velvety sauce, and optional vegetables for added nutrients. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal-prepping ahead, this dish is comforting, wholesome, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Beef:
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 (15-ounce) can marinara sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
Optional Vegetables:
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Build the Sauce: Sprinkle the cooked beef with flour and stir to coat. Gradually add the beef stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Mix in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the Creamy Components: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream, mixing until smooth. Gradually fold in the grated cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Optional Vegetables: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every shell is coated. If adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini, fold them into the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or additional grated cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!
Notes
- Make It Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to maintain consistency.
- Freezing Tip: Freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American