Description
If you’re looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s rich, cheesy, and absolutely delicious, Creamy Beef and Shells is the perfect choice! This comforting one-pot dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. With tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy tomato-based sauce, this meal is sure to become a staple at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 ½ cups)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain well and set aside.
2. Cook the 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 it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Make the Sauce
- Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
5. Combine Everything
- Stir in cooked pasta, ground beef, and heavy cream until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly, giving the dish a rich and creamy consistency.
- Add a kick of spice – A pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika can enhance the flavor and give the dish a bit of heat.
- Want more veggies? – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
- Use a blend of cheeses – While cheddar cheese is delicious, adding a bit of Parmesan or mozzarella can elevate the depth of flavor and create an extra gooey, melty consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg