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Creamy Beef and Shells

A comforting dish featuring pasta shells, ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 15 ounces can tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  3. Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Sprinkle flour into the skillet and mix to combine, thickening the sauce.
  6. Pour in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream until blended.
  8. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
  9. Fold cooked pasta shells into the sauce until well-coated.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm.

Notes

Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. Sprinkle with parsley for added flavor.

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