Description

Craving a hearty, creamy meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Look no further than Creamy Beef and Shells. This one-pot dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy nights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this creamy, comforting pasta dish:

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 black pepper, to taste
6 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Parsley or Parmesan for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving any drippings in the skillet.
Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Create the Base Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring until combined. Cook for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the tomato sauce and simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
Add the Cream and Combine: Reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, and return the cooked beef to the skillet. Mix well, then add the drained pasta shells, stirring to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best melting quality, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook pasta al dente, as it will hold up better in the creamy sauce.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little extra heat.
Customize the Protein: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Comfort Food