One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells

If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to make, comforting, and incredibly flavorful, look no further than One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells. This dish has everything you need—succulent ground beef, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that ties it all together. The best part? It all cooks in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze! You’ll be savoring every bite without worrying about a sink full of dishes. Trust me, this one is a game-changer for busy nights or when you just want something indulgent without the hassle.

The combination of savory beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—so satisfying and delicious. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells

• One-Pot Wonder: No need for multiple pans—everything comes together in one pot for easy cooking and cleanup.
• Creamy & Flavorful: The sauce is rich, velvety, and packed with savory goodness from the beef, cream, and seasonings.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish has all the comforting, hearty qualities that make it perfect for any night of the week.
• Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can get this on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe with different cheeses, herbs, or even veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Shells:

• Ground Beef: The main protein for this dish. Use lean ground beef for a lighter option or higher-fat beef for extra richness.
• Shell Pasta: A pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce perfectly. Feel free to use another pasta, like penne or rotini, if you prefer.
• Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings that irresistible aroma and savory punch to the dish.
• Tomato Paste: For a bit of tomato flavor that complements the richness of the beef and cream.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and enhances the beefy flavor.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to creating that creamy, dreamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a cheesy, comforting flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the beef and veggies.

For Seasoning:

• Salt & Pepper: To season the beef and pasta.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, adding a lovely savory flavor to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a hint of heat, if you like a little spice in your creamy dishes.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef:

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

2. Add the Aromatics:

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Stir in the Tomato Paste and Seasonings:

Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir it in with the beef and onions. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.

4. Add Broth and Pasta:

Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the shell pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

5. Stir in the Cream and Cheese:

Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Then, add the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

6. Taste and Adjust:

Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. If you like a bit of extra heat, you can sprinkle in more red pepper flakes.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells hot, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy comfort of this dish in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but here are some side dishes that pair beautifully with it:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Steamed Veggies: Try a simple side of broccoli, green beans, or zucchini to add some veggies to your meal.
• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pasta.

Additional Tips

• For Extra Creaminess: You can add a bit more heavy cream or even a dollop of cream cheese to make the sauce even richer.
• Add Veggies: If you’d like to sneak in some veggies, add some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when cooking the onion and garlic.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a small diced jalapeno for some extra heat.
• Use Ground Turkey: For a lighter option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like—penne, rotini, or even fusilli will work great in this dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Q3: Can I freeze One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells?
A3: Yes! This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Q4: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A4: Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for lentils, tofu, or a plant-based ground meat substitute to make this dish vegetarian.

Q5: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A5: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to thicken it up.

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One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and even easier to love. It’s rich, creamy, and downright delicious—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend all evening cooking. Enjoy!

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