Creamy Beef and Shells
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 can tomato sauce
15-ounce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- to tasteKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
about 1 1/2 cups
Directions
- 1
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
- 2
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. Set aside.
- 3
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.
- 4
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
Serve immediately.
Creamy Beef and Shells
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together without fuss? This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe delivers robust flavors and satisfying textures, making it an instant family favorite that you’ll want to put on repeat.
What makes this Creamy Beef and Shells dish so irresistible is its perfect harmony of rich, savory ground beef, vibrant tomato sauce, and aromatic Italian seasoning. A generous swirl of heavy cream and plenty of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese melt into every bite, creating an ultimate comfort food experience that feels both indulgent and surprisingly straightforward to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
Prepare for a truly comforting experience with tender pasta shells perfectly coated in a luscious, flavorful sauce. Each spoonful offers a delightful creaminess from the heavy cream and a tangy, sharp finish from the extra-sharp cheddar, all balanced with the aromatic garlic and sweet onion. This is a substantial, savory dish designed to satisfy even the biggest appetites, offering a classic flavor profile that evokes warmth and home-cooked goodness.
While ground beef is a classic choice for this comforting dish, you can easily swap it for ground turkey for a lighter option or even a mild Italian sausage for an added layer of flavor. Don't have extra-sharp cheddar? A sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack will also melt beautifully. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be stirred in with the Italian seasoning.
Serve this hearty Creamy Beef and Shells as a complete meal on its own, perhaps alongside a simple green salad to cut through the richness or with some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering.