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Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Meal

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A quick and easy creamy beef and shells pasta dish that combines tender ground beef with a rich, cheesy sauce and pasta shells for a comforting homemade meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 12 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of medium pasta shells and cook according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Push the beef mixture to one side of the pan. In the empty side, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour over the butter and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste, cooking for about 1-2 minutes without browning.
  5. Slowly pour in 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Add the drained pasta shells to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy beef sauce. Heat through for another 2 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm and comforting.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overheating sauce to prevent separation. Use sharp cheddar and real Parmesan for best melt and flavor. For dairy-free, swap cream and cheese with vegan alternatives and coconut cream. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, shells pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, cheesy beef pasta

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