Creamy Beef and Shells, a classic comfort food dish! I'd be delighted to share the recipe with you, along with some tips and variations to take it to the next level.
**Ingredients:**
For the Creamy Beef Sauce:
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups beef broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 2 tablespoons butter
For the Shells:
* 12-16 jumbo pasta shells
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Cook the Pasta Shells:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Brown the Ground Beef:** In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. **Soften the Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. **Make the Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. **Add the Beef Broth and Wine (optional):** Gradually stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add 1/4 cup of red wine (optional) and continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. **Add the Heavy Cream and Seasonings:** Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. **Assemble the Dish:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta shells and the creamy beef sauce. Toss until the shells are well coated.
8. **Transfer to a Baking Dish:** Transfer the shell mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with additional grated cheese, if desired.
9. **Bake and Serve:** Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use fresh thyme and paprika for a more fragrant flavor.
* Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
* Use red wine instead of beef broth for a richer flavor.
* Add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added depth.
* Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
* Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
* Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
* Top with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh flavor.
**Other Version Ideas:**
* **Creamy Chicken and Shells:** Replace the ground beef with cooked chicken breast or thighs and add some sautéed spinach for a creamy, comforting bowl.
* **Shrimp and Creamy Garlic Shells:** Add cooked and peeled shrimp to the sauce along with some sautéed garlic and lemon zest.
* **Vegan Creamy Mushroom Shells:** Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms and use a vegan Worcestershire sauce, and substitute dairy-free cream and cheese for a plant-based version.
Now, go ahead and get creative with your Creamy Beef and Shells recipe!
Must Tried Recipes :
