Description

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender medium pasta shells combined with savory ground beef in a rich tomato and beef stock sauce, enhanced by the creaminess of heavy cream and the sharp flavor of melted cheddar cheese. This hearty skillet meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a delicious balance of textures and flavors in a quick and easy recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces medium pasta shells

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
1/2 medium sweet onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Thickener and Liquids

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef stock
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
3/4 cup heavy cream

Cheese

6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the medium pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente; then drain well and set aside.
Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and remove beef from the skillet; set aside.
Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until it lightly browns, about 1 minute, to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
Add Liquids and Simmer: Gradually whisk in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 6-8 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked pasta, browned beef, and heavy cream until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Melt Cheese and Serve: Stir in the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed, about 2 minutes. Serve the creamy beef and shells immediately while hot.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
Using extra-sharp cheddar cheese adds bold flavor; you can also try a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.
If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for added freshness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent cheese from separating.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking and Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Creamy Beef and Shells, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick dinner ideas, cheesy pasta skillet