Cheesy Beef and Shells

This recipe was originally featured on Damn Delicious.

Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 25 min Total Time: 40 min

Ingredients:

• 8-oz medium pasta shells (1/2 box)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 15-oz can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes; drain excess fat. Set aside.
3. Add onion to the skillet, and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic, and Italian seasoning, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Stir in pasta, beef, and heavy cream until heated through. about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in cheese until melted, about 2 minutes.