Save This One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. It brings together tender ground beef, al dente pasta shells, and a velvety tomato cream sauce in a single skillet, ensuring that cleanup is as easy as the cooking process itself. Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, it is a dish that the whole family will request again and again.
Save By cooking the pasta directly in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, the shells absorb maximum flavor from the ground beef and aromatic seasonings. This method not only saves time but also creates a starchy, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225 g) medium pasta shells, uncooked
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Step 3: Combine and Simmer
- Add the pasta shells, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Finish the Sauce
- Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Step 5: Melt the Cheese
- Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. To ensure the best texture, stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent the shells from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For an extra boost of nutrition, try stirring in a few handfuls of baby spinach or a cup of frozen peas during the final few minutes of simmering.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty meal pairs exceptionally well with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cream sauce. A side of warm, crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Save Enjoy this warm and creamy pasta dish as a quick solution to your midweek dinner dilemma. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While medium shells work great for holding sauce, you can substitute with penne, rotini, macaroni, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking time as needed—larger shapes may take a few extra minutes to reach al dente.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, as it tends to thicken when chilled.
- → Is this suitable for freezing?
This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a little added liquid to restore creaminess.
- → Can I make it lighter?
Certainly. You can replace half the heavy cream with whole milk, use ground turkey instead of beef, or reduce the cheese amounts slightly. The sauce will still be creamy and satisfying with fewer calories.
- → What can I serve with this?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Crusty bread for soaking up sauce is always welcome. For a lighter touch, try steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus on the side.
- → Why drain the beef fat?
Draining excess fat prevents the final dish from becoming too greasy. However, don't remove all of it—about a tablespoon left in the pan adds flavor and helps cook the vegetables. The beef broth provides enough moisture for the pasta to cook properly.