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–+ servings
Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells: Your New Weeknight Comfort Food

Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Medium Pasta Shells
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey/chicken
  • 1 medium Sweet Onion or shallots
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced; or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 2 cups Beef Stock or homemade chicken stock
  • 15 ounces Tomato Sauce or passata
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half
  • to taste Kosher Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese or Monterey Jack

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large Cast Iron Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add medium pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Drain excess fat and keep warm.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced sweet onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute.
  4. Sprinkle in flour, stirring to coat vegetables. Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes.
  5. Stir in cooked pasta shells, ground beef, and heavy cream. Mix until combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper and fold in cheddar cheese.
  6. Remove from heat, serve hearty portions on plates, and enjoy immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For perfect pasta texture, always cook shells until al dente. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

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