Description

Savor the comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness with our Creamy Beef and Shells recipe. This hearty dish features tender pasta shells enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and fragrant Italian seasoning. Topped with a generous layer of melted extra-sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

8 ounces medium pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/2 medium sweet onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef stock
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
3/4 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

Cook Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta shells in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside for later.
Brown Ground Beef: In a large cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Saute Onion: To the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook it, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook until they become fragrant, usually about 1 minute.
Thicken Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly, until it becomes lightly browned, approximately 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens, about 6-8 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, browned beef, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir everything together until heated through, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Melt Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the sauce, approximately 2 minutes.
Serve: Serve the Creamy Beef and Shells immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Notes

Serving:

Serve Creamy Beef and Shells hot, straight from the skillet, for the best taste and texture.
Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal and add extra depth to the dining experience.
Consider serving it in individual bowls or on plates for a more elegant presentation at dinner parties or gatherings.

Storage:

Store any leftover Creamy Beef and Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat the leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef stock or cream to maintain moisture and prevent the dish from drying out.
Avoid freezing Creamy Beef and Shells as the texture of the pasta and sauce may become compromised upon thawing.