One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells – Comfort in a Bowl!
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish made with tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. This easy, one-pot meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal cleanup and family-friendly flavors, it’s a go-to recipe that even picky eaters will love.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a hearty, budget-friendly meal, this dish delivers big flavors with simple ingredients. Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete, delicious meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat a large skillet or pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then bring to a simmer.
Add the pasta shells, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest, smoothest sauce.
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta—it continues to absorb liquid even after cooking.
✔ Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if needed.
✔ Make it your own! Swap proteins, try different cheeses, or add veggies for extra nutrition.
✔ Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months for easy meal prep.