Description

Creamy One-Pot Beef & Shells is an easy weeknight dinner made with tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a rich cheesy cream sauce, all cooked in one pot for simple cleanup. This creamy beef and shells pasta is comfort food at its best, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and cozy nights in.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 cup small yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked

2 cups beef broth

1 cup tomato sauce

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for lean beef)

2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if needed. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

2. Stir in diced onion and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain excess grease if desired.

3. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

4. Add uncooked pasta shells. Stir so the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.

5. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the shells are tender and the sauce has thickened. If the pot looks dry before the pasta is done, add a splash of broth or water.

6. Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream, then add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.

7. Remove from heat and let rest 3 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley if using, then serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, use sharp cheddar and do not skip the short rest at the end since it helps the sauce set up and cling to the shells.

If you want to add vegetables, stir in a cup of baby spinach at the end, or add a cup of frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of simmering.

Leftovers reheat best with a splash of milk or broth stirred in to bring back the creamy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
Calories: 610
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 820 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 36 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg