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One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells

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  • Author: clara
  • 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

Units Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Incorporate Tomato Paste
    • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to develop the flavor.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/one-pot-creamy-beef-and-shells/