Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water until just al dente. Drain well using a colander and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and let sit undisturbed for 90 seconds, then break apart and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat, leaving 1-2 tablespoons, and transfer beef to a plate.
- In the same skillet with the browned bits, add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add marinara sauce and stir in Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced and slightly thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in cooked pasta and browned beef, then add heavy cream and stir for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir in sour cream until well combined.
- Fold in cheddar cheese and stir for 1-2 minutes until completely melted and sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor. Cook pasta just to al dente to prevent mushiness. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add extra cream or stock when reheating as pasta absorbs sauce.
