One-pot creamy beef and shells is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pasta shells are cooked in a rich, creamy beef sauce, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient: Made entirely in one pot, saving time and reducing cleanup.
- Comfort food classic: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, it’s a dish everyone will enjoy.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or use different pasta shapes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Tomato paste
- Diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Pasta shells
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the beef: In a large pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Build the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and heavy cream, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the pasta shells, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Add the cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
- Vegetable boost: Add spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Spice it up: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Cheese choices: Try mozzarella, Parmesan, or a Mexican blend for different flavor profiles.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or macaroni are great substitutes for pasta shells.
2. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream alternative and vegan cheese to make it dairy-free.
4. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger pot to make more servings.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently.
7. How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, chop fresh tomatoes and use them with their juices for a fresher flavor.
9. What’s the best way to drain grease from the beef?
Use a spoon or tilt the pot to remove excess grease carefully.
10. Can I add herbs for more flavor?
Yes, basil, oregano, or thyme pair wonderfully with this dish.
Conclusion
One-pot creamy beef and shells is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a hassle-free, delicious dinner tonight!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights. This hearty dish features tender pasta shells coated in a rich, cheesy sauce with seasoned ground beef. A family-friendly recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics
- Stir in the onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to develop the flavor.
- Add Liquid and Pasta
- Pour in the beef broth and marinara sauce. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta shells, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Make it Creamy
- Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a veggie boost, add 1 cup of chopped spinach or frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use any short pasta you have on hand, like penne or macaroni, if shells aren’t available.