Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort meal! Tender pasta shells are smothered in a rich, cheesy beef sauce, creating a dish that’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 15 oz tomato sauce (1 can)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 oz (1 ½ cups) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, keeping it warm.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, for 3-5 minutes until browned.
- Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Using the same skillet, sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce Base:
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute until lightly browned.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in beef stock, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Stir in tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and mix in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Finish:
- Add cooked beef back to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring they’re evenly coated in the sauce.
- Gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Serve:
- Plate the creamy beef and shells while hot. Garnish with additional cheese or parsley if desired.
- Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce, as pre-shredded cheese can be grainy.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen it.
- Incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American