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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

This creamy beef and shells recipe is a comforting, one-pan dinner that combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef, a rich tomato and beef stock sauce, and creamy cheddar cheese for a homemade take on classic hamburger helper. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells

Beef Mixture

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Sauce

  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup heavy cream

Cheese

  • 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1½ cups)

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook 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.
  2. Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled, about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
  3. Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute, to thicken the sauce.
  6. Add Liquids: 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 is reduced and slightly thickened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  7. Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked pasta and browned beef back into the skillet along with the heavy cream. Heat through gently to combine all flavors.
  8. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve: Serve the creamy beef and shells warm. Enjoy this comforting, hearty meal!

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • To enhance flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce when browning the beef.
  • 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 water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/creamy-beef-and-shells-recipe/