Description

This One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells recipe is a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender pasta shells are cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce with savory ground beef and seasonings—all in a single pan for easy cooking and cleanup!

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

2 cups beef broth

2 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked

1/2 cup heavy cream or milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Brown the beef:

In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

Add seasonings and tomato base:

Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Add liquids and pasta:

Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine. Add pasta shells and bring to a boil.

Simmer:

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Make it cheesy:

Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted and creamy.

Serve:

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

Notes

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
Add a handful of spinach or frozen peas in the last few minutes for extra veggies.

Use evaporated milk instead of cream for a pantry-friendly option.