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Creamy Beef and Shells 30 Minutes Ultimate Delicious

Discover the Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a Cozy Dinner


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  • Author: Marrinne Gayle
  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 6

Description

Gather your family around the table for a delightful dish that’s sure to become a new favorite – Creamy Beef and Shells. This comforting pasta recipe combines tender ground beef, a rich and creamy sauce, and al dente shell pasta for a satisfying and flavor-packed meal.


Ingredients

  • Medium-sized pasta shells
  • Lean ground beef
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • All-purpose flour
  • Beef broth
  • Tomato sauce
  • Heavy cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.

4. Season and Thicken: Stir in the Italian seasoning and all-purpose flour. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

5. Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 6-8 minutes, until slightly thickened.

6. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

7. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta shells and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta shells until they’re al dente, as they’ll continue to soften as they bake in the creamy sauce.

Season Generously: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. The right balance of flavors is key.

Melt the Cheese Slowly: When adding the shredded cheddar, stir it in gently over low heat to allow it to melt smoothly into the sauce.

Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up.

Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, add extra vegetables, or try different protein options like ground turkey or Italian sausage.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 27
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 42
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 28
  • Cholesterol: 80