Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Beef and Shells dish combines tender pasta shells with a rich, flavorful beef sauce and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights that serves up to eight people.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1½ cups)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, crumbling it as it browns, for about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain excess fat and remove beef from the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add diced onion to the same skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until it is lightly browned, about 1 minute.
6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Stir occasionally until sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta, browned beef, and heavy cream to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
8. Step 8: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Serve warm and enjoy your creamy beef and shells!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while it cooks.
• Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different melt and flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any small to medium-sized pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni will work well with this creamy beef sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta shells and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 125 reviews

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender pasta shells enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato and beef sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines ground beef, aromatic spices, and sharp cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells

Meat and Vegetables

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

Spices and Seasonings

• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1½ cups)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
3. Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder. Cook for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
5. Make the Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly browned, which will help thicken the sauce.
6. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 6 to 8 minutes.
7. Combine Pasta and Meat: Stir the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, and heavy cream into the sauce. Heat the mixture through thoroughly.
8. Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells warm and enjoy your hearty meal!

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free meal.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Keywords: creamy pasta, ground beef recipe, comfort food, quick dinner, cheddar cheese pasta, beef shells pasta