Description
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is a comforting, family-friendly dinner made with tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy tomato-cheese sauce—all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 450 g ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups medium pasta shells
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add pasta shells, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables.
- The sauce will thicken as it sits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American