Description
Few meals bring the same level of comfort and satisfaction as a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate weeknight dinner, combining tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a luscious, creamy tomato-based sauce. The best part? Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Whether you’re looking for a quick family meal, an easy dish for meal prep, or simply something warm and hearty, this recipe checks all the boxes. The rich flavors, balanced texture, and simple preparation make it a go-to option for busy nights. In this article, we’ll walk you through a detailed step-by-step guide, along with pro tips, variations, storage instructions, and serving suggestions to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 cups medium pasta shells (uncooked)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything well to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for maximum flavor.
Add the pasta shells directly into the sauce. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the pasta cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The shells should be tender but still hold their shape.
Once the pasta is fully cooked, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then gradually add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and perfectly coating the pasta.
Remove the pot from heat and let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, then serve hot. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy, and flavorful one-pot meal!
Notes
- This dish is family-friendly and great for busy weeknights.
- Adjust spice levels by adding or omitting red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best creamy texture.
- Can be made ahead of time and reheated easily.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food, One-Pot Recipes, Pasta Dishes
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: ~500 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg