Dinner dilemmas, begone! Let me introduce you to Creamy Beef and Shells, your new weeknight hero. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, where tender ground beef meets perfectly cooked pasta shells in a luxuriously creamy sauce. It’s quick to make, surprisingly healthy with a few smart swaps, and packed with enough flavor to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Personally, after a long day of work, knowing I can whip this up in under 30 minutes is a lifesaver! It’s comfort food without the fuss.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, my grandmother, a woman who believed in the power of a home-cooked meal, frequently made a similar dish. It wasn’t exactly Creamy Beef and Shells, as we know it today, but it was her creative, budget-friendly way to feed a large family. The aroma of simmering beef and creamy sauce always filled the house with warmth and love. I’ve since adapted her recipe, enhancing the flavors and streamlining the process, but the nostalgic feeling it evokes remains the same. To me, this dish isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug of childhood memories.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (I prefer 2%)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Pasta:
- 1 (12-ounce) package medium pasta shells
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple! Follow these steps to a perfect Creamy Beef and Shells meal:
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Create the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Add Dairy: Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine: Add the cooked ground beef and drained pasta shells to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Creamy Beef and Shells!
Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Create the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Add Dairy: Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine: Add the cooked ground beef and drained pasta shells to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Creamy Beef and Shells!
Notes
Ready to start cooking? Explore hundreds of delicious recipes now, and for daily inspiration and curated food ideas, follow us on Pinterest!