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Cheesy Beef and Shells

A heartwarming dish combining tender pasta with a creamy, cheesy beef sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces medium shell pasta

Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Beef

  • 1 pound ground beef

Sauce

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Creamy Ingredients

  • ½ cup half-and-half
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta - Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the medium shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics - In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef - Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook the beef until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  • Step 4: Create the Sauce - In a small bowl, combine the beef broth and cornstarch, whisking until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef, followed by the canned crushed tomatoes. Add in the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Step 5: Make It Creamy - Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half-and-half and sour cream, mixing well until everything is combined. Gradually fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and create a gooey, cheesy sauce.
  • Step 6: Combine with Pasta - Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the pasta in the creamy beef sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it warm through for a few minutes.
  • Step 7: Serve and Garnish - Once everything is heated and combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Cheesy Beef and Shells immediately in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Notes

For added flavor, try using a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack along with cheddar. Don’t skip the fresh parsley; it adds not only flavor but also brightens up the dish visually. If you like it spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture. This dish can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for quick meals.