Go Back
Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells 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 and packed with enough flavor to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. 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.
  6. Create the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  7. Add Dairy: Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
  8. Combine: Add the cooked ground beef and drained pasta shells to the sauce. Stir to combine.
  9. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Creamy Beef and Shells!

Notes

This dish isn't just food; it's a warm hug of childhood memories. It's comfort food without the fuss.