Creamy Beef and Shells Delight: A Comforting, Cheesy Pasta Dish Ready in 30 Minutes!
Tender pasta shells enveloped in a rich, savory beef and tomato cream sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese—a family favorite that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients:
8 ounces (about 3 cups) 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 (about 1 1/2 cups) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Make the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
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 has thickened slightly, about 6-8 minutes.
Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the cooked pasta shells, browned beef, and heavy cream. Cook until everything is heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and the sauce is creamy, about 2 minutes.
Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Calories: Approximately 525 kcal per serving
Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the sauce.
To lighten the dish, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef stock or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
