Description
This creamy beef and shells recipe combines tender pasta shells with a rich, savory beef sauce enhanced by a blend of Italian spices, garlic, and a touch of sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it offers a satisfying balance of flavors and creamy texture in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
Beef Mixture
- 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
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, breaking it up until browned. Drain any excess fat and remove beef from skillet, setting it aside.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder. Cook for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Create Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until it turns lightly browned, around 1 minute.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Gradually whisk in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened and reduced, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Beef: Stir the cooked pasta and browned ground beef back into the skillet along with the heavy cream. Heat through gently, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute some of the heavy cream with half-and-half if desired.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If you prefer, add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
