Creamy Beef and Shells
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Course
Main Course
Creamy Beef and Shells
Description
This recipe prepares medium pasta shells according to package directions, which are then combined with sautéed ground beef, onions, and garlic. Italian seasoning infuses the mixture with aromatic herbs, while a quick roux with flour thickens the sauce made from beef stock and tomato sauce. Simmering this mixture develops a slightly thickened, savory base before stirring in heavy cream for creaminess.
The cooked pasta and beef are stirred into the sauce, then shredded sharp cheddar cheese is added until melted, enriching the dish with a tangy, creamy texture. The result is a warm, satisfying meal that blends pasta with a silky, savory sauce and tender beef.
Serve immediately while hot, allowing the melted cheese to meld with the sauce and pasta for best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta shells medium
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ onion diced, medium sweet
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese about 1 1/2 cups, shredded, extra-sharp
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat. Set aside.
- Add onion to the skillet, and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in pasta, beef and heavy cream until heated through, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in cheese until melted, about 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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