Description
Creamy Beef and Shells is a heartwarming dish that perfectly blends the rich flavors of ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and smooth, creamy sauce with tender pasta shells. Ideal for a comforting dinner, this recipe promises to satisfy cravings with its delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
8 ounces medium pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
½ medium sweet onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ 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
6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 1 1/2 cups
Instructions
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat.
Add onion to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in pasta, beef, and heavy cream until heated through, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in cheese until melted, about 2 minutes.
Serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep Time: Ensure all ingredients are prepared before you begin cooking to streamline the process. This includes shredding the cheese, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic.
- Cooking Tips: For the best flavor, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, as they melt more smoothly and provide a creamier texture.
- Substitutions:
- Pasta: Feel free to substitute medium pasta shells with other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne if desired.
- Meat: While ground beef is traditional, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Dairy-Free Options: For a dairy-free version, substitute regular cheese and cream with vegan cheese and a plant-based cream alternative.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or beef stock to keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal per serving