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Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells is an easy ground beef recipe with shell pasta smothered in a creamy and flavorful tomato sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 532 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • pot for boiling pasta

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 small yellow onion diced, can sub 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3 cloves garlic minced, can sub ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 Tablespoon flour optional - helps thicken the sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 16 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 Tablespoon 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
 

  • Shred the cheese and measure out all ingredients prior to beginning. Begin heating the pasta water for boiling.
  • Season the ground beef with salt/pepper. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef. Cook and crumble it for 4 minutes. Add the onions and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the onions are softened and the beef is cooked through. Drain grease.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, and flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the beef broth and use a silicone spatula to 'clean' the bottom of the skillet.
  • Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and softened cream cheese. Let the sauce simmer while you boil the shells for 7-8 minutes or as instructed on package. (Optional, add a few teaspoons of salt to the boiling water.)
  • Decrease heat to low. Stir in the half and half. Remove from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheese until well-combined.
  • Add the drained pasta and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with garlic bread with cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Shred the cheese from a block for better melting. The hot sauce enhances all flavors without making it spicy. Mustard powder and tomato paste can be omitted, but add excellent flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 532kcal
Keyword Creamy Beef and Shells, creamy sauce, Easy Recipe, Family Meal, ground beef, pasta
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