Description
A comforting and hearty Beef and Shells recipe featuring perfectly cooked medium shell pasta combined with a rich and creamy beef tomato sauce, infused with aromatic Italian herbs and melted sharp cheddar cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz medium shell pasta
- Water, for boiling
- Salt, for boiling water
Sauce and Beef Mixture
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Salt and ground pepper, as needed
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the medium shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and crumble it with a spoon as it browns. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.
- Sauté Onion and Spices: In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic, Italian herbs, sweet paprika, and dry mustard powder. Cook for another minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Thicken the Sauce Base: Sprinkle plain flour over the onion and spice mixture and whisk it in. Cook for about 1 minute to lightly toast the flour and absorb flavors.
- Build and Simmer the Tomato-Beef Sauce: Gradually whisk in beef broth and tomato sauce, ensuring a smooth mixture without lumps. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let sauce reduce and thicken for 6 to 8 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Pasta, Beef, and Cream: Add the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, and heavy whipping cream to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to combine and cook for a few minutes until heated through, creating a rich, velvety sauce.
- Melt the Cheese & Serve: Reduce heat to low and sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the skillet. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and ground pepper to taste. Serve warm, optionally garnished with freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Use medium shell pasta for best sauce retention and texture.
- Drain excess fat from browned beef to avoid greasy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning and add a pinch of sugar if tomato sauce tastes too acidic.
- Heavy cream adds richness but can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Sharp cheddar cheese provides a tangy, creamy finish; feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Beef and Shells, comfort food, creamy beef pasta, creamy tomato sauce, easy dinner recipe
