Easy Creamy One-Pot Beef and Shells Recipe Everyone Will Love

Comfort hits differently with this one-pot creamy beef and shells masterpiece that promises pure culinary magic.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting and stress-free.

Pasta lovers will absolutely adore how effortlessly these ingredients blend into a creamy dream.

Rich beef mingles with tender shells, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Creamy sauces have never felt this satisfying or simple to prepare.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction make this recipe your new go-to meal for instant dinner happiness.

Dive in and savor every delectable spoonful of pure comfort.

One-Pot Beef and Shells for Busy Comfort Food Nights

• Transforming weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor in just 30 minutes.
• Creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its hearty, cheesy comfort food appeal.
• Designed for home cooks of all skill levels, offering foolproof steps and simple ingredients that guarantee delicious results every time.
• Easily adaptable recipe that welcomes customization with optional spice levels and quick ingredient swaps to match personal preferences.

Must-Have Ingredients for One-Pot Beef and Shells

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base for hearty one-pot meal, choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy melting cheeses that add depth and richness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth ingredient creating luxurious sauce texture.

• Onion: Foundational vegetable providing sweet and savory depth.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend adding Mediterranean complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers for balanced taste.
• Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Mild spice components offering gentle warmth.

• Beef Broth: Flavorful liquid base for cooking pasta and building sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Tomato-based sauce adding tangy richness.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor for depth.
• Pasta Shells: Curved pasta perfect for holding creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for initial sautéing.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright garnish and color.

How to Cook Beef and Shells in a Single Pot

Step 1: Sizzle the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and break it into tiny pieces while cooking. Drain off any extra fat if it looks greasy.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

Tumble chopped onions into the pot and cook until they turn soft and translucent. Sprinkle in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the spices dance and release their aroma.

Step 3: Deepen Tomato Richness

Swirl tomato paste into the mixture and let it caramelize for a moment, intensifying the overall taste profile.

Step 4: Create Liquid Foundation

Pour beef broth and marinara sauce into the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a rolling boil. Drop uncooked pasta shells into the liquid, reduce heat, and cover. Allow shells to simmer and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Transform into Creamy Delight

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes luxuriously smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 6: Finish and Plate

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Balanced Sauce and Tender Pasta Shells

• Drain Fat Carefully: Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and improve overall flavor profile.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, adding more for extra kick or omitting for milder taste.
• Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or monterey jack for unique flavor variations.
• Pasta Cooking Secret: Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the one-pot meal.
• Cream Consistency Trick: Add heavy cream slowly and stir continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce without curdling.

Reheating and Storing One-Pot Beef and Shells Smartly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 35 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the beef and shells to reach room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• This creamy pasta dish doesn't freeze well due to potential sauce separation and pasta texture changes.

Best Pairings for Your Pasta Night

• Uncork a bold red Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich beef and creamy cheese sauce. Its robust tannins cut through the dish's richness, creating a perfect flavor balance.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the heavy pasta. Fresh, peppery greens and bright citrus notes will cleanse the palate between bites.
• Select a malty amber ale or hoppy IPA to match the dish's intense flavors. The beer's carbonation helps cut through the creamy texture while echoing the beef's deep umami profile.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread with herbs to soak up the delicious sauce. Its crispy exterior and soft interior provide an ideal textural companion to the one-pot meal.

Flavor Boosters for Beef and Shell Lovers

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Shell Swap: Replace pasta shells with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the dish's creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a lactose-free alternative that still delivers rich, satisfying flavors.
• Ground Turkey Lean Option: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein choice that reduces fat content without compromising the recipe's hearty character.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using vegetable broth to maintain the savory profile while creating a meat-free meal packed with protein and nutrients.

FAQs for One-Pot Beef and Shells Enthusiasts

• What are the key spices in this recipe?

The key spices are Italian seasoning, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. These spices add depth and warmth to the beef and shells dish, creating a rich and flavorful base.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While the recipe calls for pasta shells, you can substitute with other short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar to match the liquid absorption.

• Is this dish considered spicy?

The dish is mildly spicy with an optional red pepper flakes addition. If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. For a milder version, omit them completely or reduce the amount.

• What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses are recommended. Sharp cheddar provides a tangy flavor, while Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth. You can experiment with similar melting cheeses like monterey jack or gruyere.

One-Pot Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot creamy beef and shells deliver comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising rich flavors in every delightful bite. Comfort meets convenience, ensuring quick satisfaction for hungry families craving a satisfying meal that brings smiles around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Sauce Components:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) medium pasta shells, uncooked
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Dairy and Aromatics:

• 1 cup (240 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Oil and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a spacious pot with olive oil over medium heat, fragmenting the meat into small, uniform pieces until it achieves a rich, caramelized brown color.
2. Introduce diced onions and allow them to become translucent and soft, releasing their aromatic essence. Incorporate minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the spices evenly and activate their intense flavors.
3. Blend tomato paste into the meat mixture, allowing it to caramelize and deepen the overall taste profile, creating a robust foundation for the dish.
4. Stream beef broth and marinara sauce into the pot, creating a flavorful liquid base. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently add uncooked pasta shells. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and let the pasta simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Once pasta reaches perfect tenderness, transform the dish into a luxurious creamy creation by folding in heavy cream and melting cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
6. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish before serving the dish piping hot.

Notes

• Perfectly Brown the Beef: Use a wide skillet to ensure the ground beef browns evenly without steaming, creating delicious caramelized flavor bits.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes for mild or fiery heat, tailoring the dish to personal spice preferences.
• Cheese Flexibility: Swap cheddar and Parmesan with alternatives like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular pasta shells with gluten-free shells or cauliflower rice to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg