Description
Experience the comforting embrace of Creamy Beef and Shells an American classic that combines seasoned ground beef, with a velvety tomato sauce, nestled within tender medium-shell pasta. What makes this recipe truly enticing is not just its taste. Also it’s simplicity, taking only 40 minutes from start to finish. You have the freedom to customize it with your preferred pasta and enjoy a blend of flavors. This dish is perfect for those dinners when you desire both convenience and indulgence. With its creamy, cheesy and irresistibly rich flavors, it’s a recipe that will leave a lasting impression, on your repertoire.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
Salt/Pepper, to taste
1 small diced yellow onion (or 1 tsp onion powder)
3 cloves minced garlic (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
1 tsp hot sauce
1 tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp mustard powder
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, helps thicken the sauce)
1 cup beef broth
16 oz. tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp cream cheese, softened
½ cup half and half
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ lb. medium shell pasta
Fresh parsley, to garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet until it is nicely seasoned. Then add some onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking until they become soft. Make sure to drain any grease from the skillet.
Next stir in some sauce Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, red pepper flakes and if desired a bit of flour. Let it cook for a while.
Now it’s time to add the beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste and softened cream cheese to the mixture. Allow everything to simmer while you bring some pasta to a boil separately.
Once the pasta is drained properly reduce the heat of your skillet mixture and pour in some half and half. Gradually blend in cheddar cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Finally, combine the drained pasta with your creamy sauce. To make it more appealing visually garnish, with parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top. Now sit back. Enjoy this dish!
Notes
To create a gluten-free version of the Creamy Beef and Shells recipe you just need to make a few simple adjustments. Instead of using all-purpose flour opt for a gluten-free flour blend. Also make sure to choose Worcestershire sauce that is labeled as gluten-free since some brands might contain gluten. Lastly select gluten-free pasta shells, which can be easily found at grocery stores. By making these swaps you can enjoy the creaminess of this dish without any concerns, about gluten.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 25 MINUTES
