There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a bowl of warm, creamy pasta after a long day. When I first made this One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells, I knew it would become a regular on our dinner table. It’s a cozy, fuss-free dish that brings bold flavors and ultimate comfort in every bite.
Plus, the simplicity of cooking everything in just one pot means minimal cleanup, making it a perfect weeknight meal. From the first spoonful, you’ll be hooked on the rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and cheesy perfection. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe as much as I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is packed with flavor and family-friendly features. Here’s why it’s a recipe you’ll make again and again:
1. Quick and Easy to Make
With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is tight but you still want a hearty, homemade meal.
2. Minimal Cleanup
Everything cooks in a single pot—including the pasta! That means fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax after dinner.
3. Customizable Flavors
You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. From adding extra veggies to swapping out the cheese, the possibilities are endless.
4. Comfort Food at Its Best
Creamy, cheesy, and deliciously savory, this dish wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. It’s like comfort on a plate!
5. Family-Friendly
Even the pickiest of eaters will love this recipe. The combination of hearty beef, pasta, and cheese creates a meal that everyone will happily dig into.
Cooking Time
You can whip up this meal in no time! Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy masterpiece:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) small pasta shells
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
Variations
This dish is incredibly flexible to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences:
- Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to pack in extra nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes or use pepper jack cheese for a little heat.
- Meat Substitutes: Ground turkey or sausage work beautifully in place of beef.
Essential Equipment:
- Large Skillet: To cook everything in one pot.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the pasta and sauce.
- Measuring Cups: To measure the liquids and pasta accurately.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells?
Making this recipe is simple and fun! Follow these steps:
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Toss in the diced onion and stir frequently until it’s soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute to release their flavors. 🍳
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Whisk in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, creating the base of the rich and zesty sauce. 🥫
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the pasta shells. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally as the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors. This should take about 10-12 minutes. 🍝
Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season the dish with salt and pepper, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and gooey. 🧀
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color (if desired) and serve the dish hot. Dig in and savor every bite! 🌿
Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are my best tips to make your One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells absolutely perfect:
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a deeper, richer flavor than pre-minced options.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks in the sauce. It should be tender but still have a bit of bite.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Skip the pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
Presentation matters, especially for a cozy dish like this. Garnish your pasta with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh burst of green. Serve it in deep bowls for a comforting vibe, and pair it with warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad on the side. If you’re entertaining, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a sophisticated touch.
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional breakdown? Here’s what you’ll get per serving:
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 24g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or leftovers! Here’s how to store it:
Refrigeration
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is truly a game changer for weeknight dinners. It’s comforting, full of flavor, and so simple to make. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or keeping it all to yourself (no judgment here!), one thing’s for sure—you’ll be coming back for seconds!
One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a bowl of warm, creamy pasta after a long day. When I first made this One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells, I knew it would become a regular on our dinner table. It’s a cozy, fuss-free dish that brings bold flavors and ultimate comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) small pasta shells
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.
- Toss in the diced onion and stir frequently until it’s soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute to release their flavors. 🍳
- Whisk in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, creating the base of the rich and zesty sauce. 🥫
- Stir in the pasta shells. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally as the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors. This should take about 10-12 minutes. 🍝
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season the dish with salt and pepper, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and gooey. 🧀
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color (if desired) and serve the dish hot. Dig in and savor every bite! 🌿
Notes
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a deeper, richer flavor than pre-minced options.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks in the sauce. It should be tender but still have a bit of bite.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Skip the pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
