Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is a cozy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef and pasta come together in a rich, creamy sauce, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. It’s a comfort food favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ cups uncooked pasta shells
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the Italian seasoning, uncooked pasta shells, beef broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. If using tomato paste, add it at this point for extra flavor and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot
Notes
- Feel free to use other types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, if you don’t have shells.
- To make this dish even creamier, you can add more cream or some cream cheese.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make this a more balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg