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Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 548 reviews

Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, easy-to-make skillet meal featuring tender ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato and herb sauce combined with tender pasta shells, creamy heavy cream, and melted cheddar cheese for a rich and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz medium pasta shells

For the Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce

  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully crumbled. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  2. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste into the beef. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic and the tomato paste darkens in color, intensifying the flavor.
  3. Simmer with Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly and concentrate its flavors.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss well to ensure every shell is coated with the creamy beef sauce.
  7. Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, give it one last toss, and serve warm for a deliciously comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use medium pasta shells or similarly sized pasta like rotini or penne for best results.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice subtle heat to the dish.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • For extra vegetables, consider mixing in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms during the beef cooking step.

Keywords: creamy beef shells, pasta with beef, cheesy beef pasta, easy dinner, one skillet meal

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