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+ servings
Mary Kelly

Creamy Beef and Shells

Before diving right into the delightful depths of creamy beef and shells, let’s take a moment to think about pairing. This dish is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. It dances on your taste buds and leaves you wanting more. But what can you serve alongside this comfort food classic?
Prep Time 14 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 39 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb medium shell pasta
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 16 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 small yellow onion diced (or substitute with 1 tsp onion powder)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves minced (or substitute with ½ tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
  • A pinch of red chili flakes optional for heat
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour optional for thickening sauce
  • ½ cup half-and-half cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese to serve

Equipment

  • Pot, Skillet

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Shell Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
  1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until it's no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Add Onions and Garlic
  1. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onions soften, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Stir in the Spices and Tomato Sauce
  1. To the beef mixture, incorporate the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Mix well. Next, pour in the tomato sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Base
  1. Add the cream cheese, beef stock, half-and-half cream, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and fully combined. This step will result in a rich creamy sauce.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
  1. If you prefer a thicker sauce, sprinkle the all-purpose flour and stir until it thickens, which should take a minute. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red chili flakes if you're feeling adventurous.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
  1. Fold the cooked shell pasta into the beef sauce until well coated. Gently mix in the sharp cheddar cheese until melted. The cheese will add an extra layer of creaminess.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
  1. Transfer your creamy beef and shells to a serving dish. Top with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch. Enjoy while hot!

Nutrition

Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gFiber: 2g

Notes

  1. Choose the Right Pasta: Medium shell pasta is great because of its shape. It holds sauce well, but feel free to explore other pasta varieties!
  2. Customize Spice Levels: Don’t hesitate to adjust the hot sauce or red chili flakes based on your taste. Every palate is different.
  3. Be Careful With the Flour: If you add flour, remember that too much can make the sauce heavy. A tablespoon typically does the trick.
  4. Garnish Is Key: Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, can elevate your dish visually and taste-wise. A sprinkle of herbs goes a long way.
  5. Experiment with Cheeses: Sharp cheddar is a must, but mixing in mozzarella or even a bit of gouda can add unique flavors.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!