Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder. Cook for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Make the Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly browned, which will help thicken the sauce.
- 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.
- Combine Pasta and Meat: Stir the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, and heavy cream into the sauce. Heat the mixture through thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://lucabites.com/creamy-beef-and-shells-recipe/
