One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells is a comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Tender pasta shells are simmered in a savory beef and tomato sauce, then finished with plenty of melty cheese—all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s fast, filling, and always a hit.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicsmall pasta shellsbeef brothtomato sauce or crushed tomatoeschili powderpaprikaItalian seasoningsalt and black pepperheavy cream or half-and-halfshredded cheddar cheeseParmesan cheese (optional)fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

In a large pot or deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.

Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Stir in the tomato sauce, seasonings, pasta shells, and beef broth.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Stir in the heavy cream and both cheeses. Mix until melted and creamy.

Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with parsley if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4–6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Swap shells for elbow macaroni or rotini.

Add spinach or peas at the end for extra veggies.

Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream, or microwave until hot.Freeze in portions for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, though cream adds more richness—milk works fine for a lighter option.

Why is my pasta undercooked?

Make sure there’s enough liquid and simmer with the lid on.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and makes great leftovers or meal prep.

Is it kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s cheesy, comforting, and easy to love.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, stir in peas, carrots, or chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Yes, but reduce other seasonings and broth slightly to balance flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What’s the best cheese for this?

Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for creaminess.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No, it cooks right in the sauce—making this a true one-pot meal.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a large enough pot and increase cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells is a cozy, creamy classic that brings all the comfort of a homestyle meal with minimal effort and dishes. Perfectly seasoned, loaded with cheese, and ready in 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight lifesaver you’ll want to make again and again.

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