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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender medium pasta shells tossed in a rich, creamy tomato and beef sauce with sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it combines savory ground beef, Italian herbs, and velvety cream for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ medium sweet onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese

  • 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1½ cups)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the medium pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns evenly. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
  3. Sauté Onions: Add diced sweet onion to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour into the onion mixture and cook for about 1 minute until lightly browned, which helps thicken the sauce.
  6. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce, combining them smoothly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly, about 6-8 minutes.
  7. Combine Pasta and Beef: Stir the cooked pasta and browned beef back into the skillet with the sauce, then pour in the heavy cream. Heat through for 1-2 minutes, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Add Cheese and Serve: Stir in the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use medium pasta shells as they hold the creamy sauce well and blend nicely with beef.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
  • Add a handful of spinach or chopped bell peppers with the onions for extra vegetables.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, shell pasta recipe, hearty beef dinner, cheesy pasta skillet, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/creamy-beef-and-shells-recipe/