Description
This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, creamy, and loaded with flavor! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.
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Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually add the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta shells and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can be less creamy due to added anti-caking agents. Shredding your own makes a difference!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the shells since they’ll absorb some sauce when mixed.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American