Creamy Beef and Shells Delight

Description:

Creamy Beef and Shells Delight is a comforting, hearty pasta dish featuring tender pasta shells coated in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and combined with savory ground beef. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this family-friendly recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor.

Origin:

This dish takes inspiration from classic American-style casseroles and Italian pasta dishes, blending the ease of a one-pot meal with creamy and robust flavors that appeal to all ages.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) medium pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Beef Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz/225g) tomato sauce

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Beef Sauce:

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

7. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
8. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine and Serve:

10. Stir the creamy sauce into the beef mixture, followed by the cooked pasta shells. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
11. Adjust seasoning to taste and cook for another 2-3 minutes over low heat.
12. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips for Success:

• For a deeper flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes or add a splash of red wine to the beef sauce.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Save a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Recommendations:

• Pair this dish with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate for 6 servings):

• Calories: ~550
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg

Creamy Beef and Shells Delight is a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights at home. Its creamy texture and savory taste will have everyone coming back for seconds!