Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, one-pan pasta dish that combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef in a rich, creamy sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. The dish is versatile, allowing for substitutions like ground turkey or chicken, and can be customized with additional vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms. Whether you're feeding a family or preparing leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz medium pasta shells

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ medium sweet onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ 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 oz shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1½ cups)
  
  

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions; drain well.

2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large 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 aside.

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Prepare the Sauce: Whisk in flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, about 6–8 minutes.

5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked pasta, browned beef, and heavy cream. Cook until heated through, about 1–2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste

6. Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

7. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 532 kcal

• Protein: 42 g

• Fat: 26 g

• Saturated Fat: 14 g

• Cholesterol: 127 mg

• Sodium: 1258 mg

• Carbohydrates: 33 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 8 g

• Vitamin A: 1154 IU

• Vitamin C: 13 mg

• Calcium: 395 mg

• Iron: 5 mg