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Creamy One-Pot Beef & Shells

Creamy One-Pot Beef & Shells
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Creamy One-Pot Beef & Shells is a quick, comforting, and delicious meal that combines tender ground beef, pasta shells, and a luscious creamy sauce all cooked in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make dish offers rich, savory flavors and family-friendly ingredients with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef

Pasta

  • 8 oz medium pasta shells (or gluten-free pasta shells)

Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Sauces

  • 3 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or coconut/cashew cream for dairy-free)

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese (or mozzarella, gouda, pepper jack as variations)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (such as dried oregano, basil, thyme)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring often to prevent burning.
  3. Add liquids and pasta: Stir in beef broth, tomato paste or crushed tomatoes, seasonings, and the dry pasta shells. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.
  4. Stir in cream and cheese: Reduce heat to low and slowly add heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in shredded cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
  5. Taste and adjust: Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as desired. Let it rest on low heat for a couple more minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Use good quality beef broth for best flavor.
  • Check pasta tenderness early to avoid overcooking.
  • Stir gently but often to prevent sticking and ensure creamy sauce.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes off the heat to thicken the sauce.
  • Add cheese at the end to avoid clumping and achieve a smooth finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, one-pot meal, quick dinner, ground beef recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/creamy-one-pot-beef-shells/