Description
Hearty Creamy Beef and Shells Delight wraps comfort and flavor into one irresistible pasta dish. Savory ground beef, tender shells, and rich cheese sauce combine for a quick weeknight meal that brings smiles to dinner tables everywhere.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 ounces (170 grams) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 1 ½ cups
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) medium pasta shells
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in a generously salted pot of water, following package directions for perfect al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Warm olive oil in a robust cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until rich golden-brown and completely separated, approximately 4 minutes. Eliminate any excess grease.
- Introduce diced onions to the skillet, sautéing until they transform into a translucent, glossy appearance. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring until aromatic and fragrant.
- Dust flour across the beef mixture, allowing it to lightly toast and develop a nutty undertone. Gradually incorporate beef stock and tomato sauce, whisking consistently to prevent lumps.
- Allow the sauce to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Simmer until the liquid reduces and thickens, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Reunite the cooked pasta and browned beef with the simmering sauce. Splash in heavy cream, stirring to distribute heat evenly and create a silky texture.
- Finish by folding in shredded cheese until completely melted, creating a decadent, creamy coating. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
Notes
- Elevate your pasta game with this hearty one-skillet meal that combines tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked shells.
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and ensure a rich, flavorful base for the dish without compromising texture.
- Create a silky sauce by gradually whisking beef stock and carefully controlling heat to prevent lumps and achieve smooth consistency.
- Grate fresh cheese just before adding to the skillet for maximum melting potential and optimal creamy texture.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Customize by adding red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like parsley for a bright finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg