Looking for a quick, easy, and family-friendly dinner? This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food recipe that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup.
✔️ One pan = fewer dishes!
✔️ Rich, creamy, and cheesy 🧀
✔️ Perfect for meal prep & busy weeknights
This dish is a budget-friendly, time-saving meal that’s even better than takeout!
📌 Ingredients (What You’ll Need)
🥩 Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for extra flavor)
- 2 cups uncooked shell pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 small onion, chopped 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
- 3 cups beef broth (adds rich depth)
🧀 Creamy & Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best!)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
🌿 Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley 🌿
- Extra cheese 🧀
- Red pepper flakes for heat 🌶️
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Cook until browned (about 5 minutes), then drain excess fat.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot.
- Cook until onion is soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
3️⃣ Add Pasta & Liquids
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and shell pasta.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
4️⃣ Make It Extra Creamy
- Remove the lid and stir in:
✅ Heavy cream
✅ Shredded cheddar cheese
✅ Italian seasoning - Stir until cheese melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
5️⃣ Season & Serve
- Taste and adjust with salt & pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! 😋
⏲ Cooking Details & FAQ
⏳ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍛 Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
🔥 Calories: 550 kcal per serving
❓ Can I Use a Different Pasta?
Yes! While shell pasta holds the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with:
✅ Rotini 🍝
✅ Penne ✨
✅ Elbow macaroni 🧀
❓ How Do I Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.
❓ Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🔥 Customization & Variations
🥓 Want extra flavor? Add crispy bacon bits!
🌶 Like it spicy? Stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce!
🧀 More cheesy? Try adding Parmesan or mozzarella!
🥦 Extra veggies? Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers!
📢 Pro Tip: Pair this dish with garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal!
📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-pot meal = minimal cleanup 🥘
✔️ Comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor 😍
✔️ Kid-approved & great for meal prep 👨👩👧👦
✔️ Super easy & done in 30 minutes! ⏳
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💬 Tried this dish? Leave a comment with your favorite twist!
