Comforting Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe: A Family Favorite

Comfort meals don’t get more satisfying than this creamy beef and shells recipe that promises warmth in every delectable bite.

Tender beef mingles with soft pasta shells, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Weeknight dinners call for simple yet delicious solutions like this hearty one-pot wonder.

The rich, velvety sauce coats each shell perfectly, ensuring maximum taste in minimal preparation time.

Cheese melts into the meat, adding depth and creaminess that transforms a basic meal into something extraordinary.

This dish delivers serious flavor without demanding complex cooking techniques.

You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy households craving a filling meal.

Grab a spoon and savor every comforting, cheesy spoonful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 660 kcal

Servings: 4

One-Pot Beef and Shells Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Select lean ground beef for a rich, meaty foundation that adds robust flavor and protein to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Creates a deep, savory liquid base that enhances the overall taste and helps cook the pasta.

• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Garlic: Brings a sharp, pungent kick that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers a classic herb blend that adds Mediterranean warmth and complexity.
• Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky undertone and beautiful reddish color to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers optional heat and a spicy dimension for those who enjoy a little kick.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other flavors.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates a rich, slightly sweet tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Marinara Sauce: Adds a tangy, tomato-based background that complements the beef.
• Pasta Shells: Capture the creamy sauce in their curved shape, creating perfect bites.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture that makes the sauce incredibly smooth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty element with deep, rich flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that brightens the entire dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, green garnish that adds a pop of color and light herbaceous note.

Tools That Make This One-Pot Pasta Night a Win

• Large Pot or Deep Skillet: Essential for cooking the entire one-pot meal with plenty of room for ingredients and stirring.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot's surface.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately add seasonings like Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for precisely measuring beef broth and marinara sauce.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Helpful if using fresh Parmesan and cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Knife: Needed for chopping parsley for garnish.

How to Cook Beef and Shells All in One Go

• Brown the Meat

Warm a big pot over medium heat and splash in some olive oil. Toss in ground beef, breaking it into tiny pieces while cooking until perfectly golden and delicious.

• Wake Up the Flavors

Add chopped onions and let them dance around until soft. Sprinkle in garlic and spices, letting everything get super fragrant and exciting.

• Build the Sauce Foundation

Mix in tomato paste and let it caramelize, creating a rich base that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Create the Liquid Landscape

Pour in beef broth and marinara, bringing everything to a bubbly boil. Drop in pasta shells, cover the pot, and let everything simmer until pasta becomes perfectly tender.

• Transform into Creamy Comfort

Swirl in heavy cream and sprinkle cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and irresistible. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

• Finish with Flair

Shower with fresh parsley and serve hot, ready to comfort and delight everyone at the table.

Add-Ons That Make This Dish Even More Satisfying

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Pasta Perfect Trick: Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to maintain creamy consistency.
• Protein Power Swap: Easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Spice Adventure: Dial up heat by adding extra red pepper flakes or swap with chipotle powder for a smoky kick. Create mild versions by reducing or eliminating spicy ingredients.
• Low-Carb Magic: Replace pasta shells with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version. Use low-fat cheese and cream to reduce overall calorie content.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella, monterey jack, or gouda to create unique flavor variations. Dairy-free? Use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.

Serve Hot With a Sprinkle of Parmesan

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty one-pot meal with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce, creating a comforting family gathering experience.
• Creamy Comfort Combo: Pair the beef and shells with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheesy pasta dish.
• Quick Weeknight Feast: Top individual servings with extra shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and fresh chopped parsley for a restaurant-style presentation that elevates the meal's appeal.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Transform leftovers into a delicious lunch by reheating and adding a dollop of sour cream or serving over toasted garlic bread for an extra satisfying meal.

Store and Reheat Without Losing That Goodness

• Smart Meal Scheduling: Plan this one-pot wonder during hectic weeknights when time is tight. Prepare ingredients beforehand and store prepped items in sealed containers for quick assembly.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing Technique: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for convenient future meals. Remove cream-based sauce before freezing for best quality, then add fresh cream when reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently on stovetop with splash of beef broth or cream to restore creamy consistency. Avoid microwave to prevent sauce separation and maintain original rich texture.

Hearty One-Pot Creamy Beef And Shells

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot creamy beef and shells combine classic comfort with simple preparation. Rich pasta shells nestled with seasoned ground beef create a satisfying meal families will crave quickly and easily.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 2 cups (480 ml) medium pasta shells, uncooked
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear and Spice: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Brown ground beef, breaking it into small pieces until caramelized. Add onions and garlic, stirring until softened. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to infuse deep, complex flavors.
2. Build the Base: Incorporate tomato paste, allowing it to caramelize and intensify the meat’s richness. Pour in beef broth and marinara sauce, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil. Gently add uncooked pasta shells, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
3. Creamy Transformation: When pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, introduce heavy cream. Gradually fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and velvety. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma. Serve immediately while steaming hot, showcasing the dish’s rich, creamy consistency and robust flavors.

Notes

• Sear Meat Perfectly: Brown ground beef at medium-high heat to develop deep caramelization, ensuring maximum flavor development without burning.
• Spice Balance Technique: Toast spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance their aromatic compounds and intensify overall dish complexity.
• Pasta Cooking Precision: Stir shells occasionally and monitor liquid levels to prevent sticking and achieve ideal al dente texture without becoming mushy.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg