One-pot creamy beef and shells is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish comes together quickly and minimizes cleanup.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
- Kid-friendly: A comforting, cheesy dish loved by both kids and adults.
- One-pot wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes, and maximum flavor.
- Customizable: Add veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Pasta shells
- Onion
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Heavy cream
- Chicken or beef broth
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the pasta shells. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced.
- Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
- Adjust seasonings to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: Stir in cooked spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Cheese options: Experiment with gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta shells.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Reheat it with a bit of added liquid to refresh the sauce.
2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Medium pasta shells are ideal, but you can substitute with penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
While the dish is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. How can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
6. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be less rich. For a creamier result, mix milk with a bit of cornstarch.
7. Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently, but you can make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger pot and adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
9. Whatโs the best way to drain excess fat from the beef?
Carefully tilt the pot and spoon out the fat, or drain the beef into a colander placed over a bowl.
10. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and add a little extra liquid.
Conclusion
One-pot creamy beef and shells is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines simplicity with incredible taste. Perfect for busy nights, this versatile dish can be customized to your liking and is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Here’s a comforting and easy recipe for One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells. This dish combines tender pasta shells with savory ground beef in a rich, cheesy tomato sauce, all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 8 ounces (about 2 1/2 cups) medium pasta shells
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sautรฉ the Beef and Onions:ย In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Add the diced onion and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft, about 3 more minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- Add Liquids and Pasta:ย Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta shells. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10-12 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese:ย Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Serve:ย Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the dish hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Feel free to substitute the white cheddar with sharp cheddar or a cheese blend of your choice.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more beef broth or cream until it reaches your preferred thickness.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *