Description
Creamy Beef and Shells Delight is a decadent and satisfying meal perfect for those who enjoy comforting, hearty dishes. It combines tender pasta shells with a rich, creamy beef sauce infused with Italian seasoning. This dish is sure to become a favorite for family dinners and cozy night meals.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 1 1/2 cups
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to the package instructions; drain well.
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, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat. Set aside.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic
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.
4. Create the Sauce
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients and Finish
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.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves up to 4 people and typically takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or stovetop over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of milk or cream to adjust consistency if needed.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef and Shells Delight exemplifies comfort food at its best. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and beefy flavors nestled within tender pasta shells. Ideal for family dinners, it’s not only easy to make but also delightful in taste. If you’re looking for a rich and filling meal that impresses all age groups, this dish is a superb choice.
PrintCreamy Beef and Shells Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Beef and Shells Delight is a decadent and satisfying meal perfect for those who enjoy comforting, hearty dishes. It combines tender pasta shells with a rich, creamy beef sauce infused with Italian seasoning. This dish is sure to become a favorite for family dinners and cozy night meals.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 1 1/2 cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to the package instructions; drain well.
- 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, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: 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.
- Create the Sauce: Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients and Finish: 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.