If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, creamy, and absolutely comforting, look no further! This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Shells is exactly what you need. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and made all in one pot—meaning less mess and more time to relax after dinner. The combination of tender beef, creamy sauce, and pasta shells is pure comfort food magic. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds!
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Why You’ll Love One-Pot Creamy Beef & Shells
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating those cozy, feel-good moments around the table. Here’s why this dish is destined to become a family favorite:
- Convenient: No need for multiple pots and pans—everything cooks in one pot. You can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
- Comforting: The creamy sauce and tender beef make this the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your hunger and rich enough to feel indulgent.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for your family, a dinner party, or a small get-together, this recipe is sure to please everyone. It’s simple, yet packed with flavor that even picky eaters will love.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the flavors by adding your favorite veggies or seasonings. Want it spicier? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Need more greens? Add some spinach or kale!
Ingredients
The magic of this dish comes from its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Beef: The hearty base of the dish. You’ll brown it up to get that rich, savory flavor.
Shell Pasta: These little shells are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, making every bite full of goodness.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the dish that irresistible creaminess. It creates a luscious sauce that coats the beef and pasta perfectly.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and savory flavor to the sauce while helping to cook the pasta.
Cheese: A mix of Parmesan and cheddar cheese adds richness and a lovely melty texture to the sauce.
Garlic & Onion: These aromatics form the flavor foundation of the dish. They add warmth and depth.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning bring everything together and make the flavors pop.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on this one-pot wonder:
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks for that perfect texture.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant. This only takes a couple of minutes but adds so much flavor!
Add the Broth and Pasta: Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, and pasta shells. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover and cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Add the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or seasoning if needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy beef and shells hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Get ready to enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef & Shells
This creamy, rich dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
- Simple Salad: A light, refreshing salad with greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the creamy beef and shells.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add a nutritious touch with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans on the side.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: For a heartier meal, pair this dish with crispy, oven-baked potato wedges.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this dish:
- Add Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, toss in some spinach, peas, or bell peppers while the pasta is cooking.
- Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
- Store Leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! Feel free to swap in any pasta you like. Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni would all work wonderfully.
Q2: Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
A2: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just fine as a leaner alternative to beef.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prep it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in a skillet with a little extra cream or broth to keep it creamy.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Let the dish cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Q5: How do I make this dish spicier?
A5: Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños to give it a kick!
Q6: Can I use a dairy-free substitute for the cream and cheese?
A6: Yes! Use coconut milk or any plant-based cream, and swap in dairy-free cheese for a creamy, dairy-free version.
Q7: Can I add more cheese?
A7: Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese for an even cheesier, more indulgent dish.
Q8: What if I don’t have beef broth?
A8: You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
Q9: How do I reheat leftovers?
A9: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little bit of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger skillet or divide the dish into two pots. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on it!
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Beef & Shells is everything you want in a meal—creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights or whenever you just need something hearty and satisfying. With easy ingredients, simple steps, and minimal cleanup, it’s a dish you’ll make again and again. So, grab your pot, get cooking, and enjoy this delicious meal with your loved ones!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef & Shells
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy and creamy one-pot dish is packed with tender ground beef, cheesy pasta, and peas, all simmered together to create a rich and comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups uncooked shell pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Cook the Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Meat:
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine.
- Add Liquids:
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the uncooked shell pasta to the pot, stirring to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheese and Peas:
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the peas are heated through.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to swap out the shell pasta for any type of pasta you have on hand.
- You can add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg