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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 129 reviews

Creamy Beef and Shells is a hearty and comforting pasta dish featuring tender ground beef, medium pasta shells, and a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce flavored with Italian seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make skillet meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, combining savory beef with cheesy goodness and a creamy texture that will satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Meat

  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables and Seasonings

  • ½ medium sweet onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

Sauce Ingredients

  • 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
  • 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 ½ cups)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the medium pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics and Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced sweet onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add Seasonings and Flour: Stir in Italian seasoning and sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste and to help thicken the sauce later.
  4. Create the Sauce: Slowly pour in the beef stock while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells back into the skillet and gently toss to coat them evenly with the creamy beef and cheese sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • You can substitute sharp cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • If you prefer a bit of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, beef and shells, cheesy beef pasta, comfort food pasta, one-pan pasta, easy weeknight dinner

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