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Creamy Beef and Shells – Comforting Pasta in a Rich Cheesy Sauce

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  • Author: amanda
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Creamy beef and pasta shells simmered in a rich tomato-beef sauce, finished with heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese. Comfort food at its finest!


Ingredients

  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 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
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1½ cups)
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain well.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, 3-5 minutes, crumbling as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  3. Add onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and mustard powder; cook 1 minute.
  4. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
  5. Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
  6. Stir in pasta, cooked beef, and heavy cream. Heat through.
  7. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use extra sharp cheddar for a more flavorful dish.
  • Adjust seasoning with more Italian herbs for a personal touch.