One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
This One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.In just 30 minutes, you'll have a hearty, creamy pasta dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender shell pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb high-quality ground beef the star of the show!
- 8 oz shell pasta medium shells work best
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and shell pasta. Stir to combine and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Cook it all together: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season and serve: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot!
Notes
Pro tip: Don't skimp on the beef quality – it really makes a difference in the final flavor!