One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food that combines the hearty flavors of seasoned ground beef with tender pasta shells, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This family-friendly dish has gained immense popularity for its simplicity and incredible flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe lies in its convenience – everything cooks in a single pot, meaning fewer dishes to clean afterward.

A balanced combination of protein-packed beef, starchy pasta, and vegetables creates a meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or someone seeking comfort after a long day, this one-pot wonder delivers on all fronts.

The shells pasta works perfectly for this dish as the small pockets capture the sauce, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that has become a staple in many households across the country.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crowd-pleasing dish combines convenience with incredible taste. The creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the hearty beef and al dente pasta shells. Plus, cleanup is minimal with just one pot to wash!

Many home cooks appreciate how adaptable this recipe is to different dietary needs and preferences. You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have available in your pantry.

Best of all, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for better flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred for better flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (a blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary)
• ½ tsp salt (kosher or sea salt recommended)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 cup heavy cream (at room temperature to prevent curdling)
• 2 cups uncooked medium shell pasta (about 8 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged)
• ½ cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Heat a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and allow it to heat until it shimmers slightly. Once hot, toss in the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent and slightly soft. Introduce the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula into small, bite-sized crumbles. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and has developed a nice brown color throughout. If your beef releases excessive fat, you can tilt the pot slightly and spoon off some of the fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons for flavor.

Step 3: Season the beef mixture with the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Allow the seasoned beef to cook for an additional minute to toast the herbs slightly, which will enhance their flavor and aroma.

Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits (fond) contain concentrated flavor that will enrich your sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Once the liquid is gently boiling, add the uncooked shell pasta to the pot. Stir well to ensure all pasta pieces are submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the mixture to simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir the pasta every 3-4 minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Finishing the Dish

Step 6: When the pasta is cooked to al dente, uncover the pot and check the consistency of the sauce. If it seems too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes. For overly thick sauce, add a splash (about 2-3 tablespoons) of additional beef broth or water.

Step 7: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and frozen peas to the pot. Stir gently but thoroughly to incorporate them into the hot pasta mixture. The residual heat will melt the cheese and warm the peas. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce has a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 8: Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give the pasta one final stir and taste for seasonings, adjusting with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 9: Serve the creamy beef and shells in bowls, garnishing each portion with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. The parsley adds visual appeal while bringing a bright, herbaceous note that complements the rich, creamy sauce.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version: Enhance the nutritional profile by adding 1 cup of diced bell peppers and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Sauté these with the onions before adding the beef.

Spicy Kick: Add ¼-½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning, or stir in 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce at the end.

Bacon Lover’s Delight: Cook 4-6 strips of bacon until crispy before starting the recipe. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and use the bacon fat instead of olive oil. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top just before serving.

Mexican-Inspired: Replace Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Add ½ cup of corn along with the peas and garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Healthier Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Choose whole wheat pasta shells for added fiber.

COOKING Notes:

The key to a successful one-pot pasta dish is managing the liquid-to-pasta ratio. If the pasta absorbs liquid too quickly during cooking, add more broth in small increments of ¼ cup.

Avoid boiling the mixture vigorously after adding the cream, as high heat can cause dairy to separate. A gentle simmer is perfect.

For a thicker sauce, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the pot after the pasta is cooked but before adding the cheese.

Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven that distributes heat evenly and prevents hot spots that could cause burning.

Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder added with the other seasonings.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Serve with garlic bread or crusty sourdough bread for sopping up the delicious sauce.

A side of roasted or steamed broccoli or asparagus adds color and nutrition to complete the meal.

For a casual gathering, serve in bread bowls for an impressive presentation.

A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti complements the flavors beautifully for an adult dinner.

Tips:

Grate your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Block cheese contains no anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.

When making this ahead of time, slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.

To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency, as the pasta will absorb sauce during refrigeration.

For deeper flavor, replace up to half a cup of the beef broth with red wine.

If fresh parsley isn’t available, a sprinkle of dried parsley or fresh chives makes a suitable alternative.

For those who prefer a less creamy version, the heavy cream can be reduced to ½ cup without significantly affecting the overall dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 580 per serving
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Potassium: 520mg
• Calcium: 220mg
• Iron: 3.5mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or farfalle. Different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments to cooking time.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating, as the pasta may absorb more sauce during storage.

Q: Can this dish be frozen?

A: While possible, cream-based pasta dishes tend to separate when thawed. If freezing, do so before adding the cheese and cream, then add these fresh when reheating.

Q: Is there a dairy-free alternative?

A: You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly but remain delicious.

Q: What can I substitute for beef broth? A: Chicken broth works well as a substitute. Alternatively, use bouillon cubes or paste dissolved in hot water according to package directions.

Q: My sauce is too thin, how can I thicken it?

A: Let the dish simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Another option is to create a cornstarch slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.

Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

A: Yes! Use the sauté function for the first few steps, then add all ingredients except cheese and peas. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with a quick release, then stir in cheese and peas.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells represents the perfect intersection of convenience, comfort, and culinary satisfaction. This versatile dish proves that homemade, delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

The combination of tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and creamy sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages. What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability – you can easily customize it based on seasonal ingredients or dietary preferences.

The one-pot cooking method not only saves on cleanup but also allows the ingredients to cook together, developing deeper, more complex flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or looking for a comforting dish to enjoy on a lazy weekend, this recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

Its balanced nutritional profile makes it a complete meal in itself, though it pairs beautifully with simple sides for a more elaborate dinner. As you master this basic version, don’t be afraid to experiment with the suggested variations or create your own unique twist. This humble one-pot dish might just become your new go-to recipe for those days when you crave something hearty, creamy, and utterly satisfying.

 

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