Ingredients
– 8 ounces medium pasta shells
– 1 pound ground beef
– ½ a medium diced sweet onion
– 2 cloves of minced garlic
– 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 2 cups of beef stock
– 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
– ¾ cup of heavy cream
– 6 ounces (about 1 ½ cups) of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
– Salt to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper to taste
– GF pasta shells
– GF legume pasta
– Plant-based crumbles
– Coconut cream
– Vegan cheese shreds
– Dairy-free heavy cream alternative
Instructions
1-Cook the pasta: Boil 8 ounces medium pasta shells al dente per package, drain, and set aside.
2-Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3-Sauté aromatics: Add ½ medium diced sweet onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning.
4-Thicken the base: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the mixture, stir for 1 minute.
5-Add liquids: Pour in 2 cups beef stock and 15-ounce can tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
6-Make it creamy: Stir in ¾ cup heavy cream and 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7-Simmer: Cook until sauce thickens and cheese fully melts, about 5-7 minutes.
8-Combine: Mix in the cooked pasta shells until well coated.
9-Serve: Dish up immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧀 For extra richness, use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan at the end
🍝 Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water to add to the sauce if it becomes too thick
🌿 Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, or stir in fresh basil or parsley at the end for freshness
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option (use gluten-free pasta)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 890
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 75