Combine: Add in the cooked pasta, browned meat, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Then, add in the sour cream and cheese.
Serve: Once the cheese has melted, serve it while hot!
Recipe variations:
Meat: Try to replace the beef with other types of ground meat like lamb, chicken or turkey. Actually even ground pork and sausage will work well.
Kosher: To make this meal kosher, replace the dairy with vegan alternatives and skip the cheese.
Gluten-Free: Similarly, to make it gluten-free use gluten-free flour and gluten-free pasta.
Bacon: On the other hand, cook some crispy bacon, chop it and stir it into the pasta, to take this recipe over the top!
Cheese: While we used sharp cheddar cheese, you can use any other cheese, like mozzarella, Mexican cheese blend, fontina or gouda.
Spicier: Also, try making it spicer by using red pepper flakes and 1/2 cup of Buffalo Sauce.
Whole-wheat. Make this recipe using whole wheat pasta for an alternative high in fiber.
How to serve:
Serve creamy beef and shells with a light salad like this classic Caesar salad or crunchy cabbage salad.
Add some homemade breadsticks or fluffy 30 minutes dinner rolls on the side.
For a change, top it with some store-bought or homemade salsa and some avocado slices.
Another option is to add some chopped jalapeños on top for some heat.
Also, a tangy side like these Bread and Butter Pickles would make a great choice.
How to store leftovers:
Refrigerate: Let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container before putting it in the fridge. Consume it within 3 days. Keep in mind that once chilled, the pasta will absorb more sauce. Therefore, when reheating add a bit more heavy cream or beef stock.
Freeze: Actually, you can freeze this for a few weeks, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, when you reheat, you will not be breaking the pasta into pieces.
Make-Ahead: Another great option that is perfect for those who do meal planning is to freeze the sauce and simply add cooked pasta on the day you want to serve it. Also, you can pre-cook the pasta and freeze it. Before freezing, remember to drizzle some oil to prevent sticking.
Frequently asked questions
What is “beef and shells”?
