Heavenly One-Pot Creamy Beef & Shells Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering one-pot creamy beef & shells recipe that promises to simplify your dinner routine.

Pasta lovers will rejoice at how quickly this meal comes together with minimal cleanup.

Weeknight cooking just got a delicious upgrade with tender beef and perfectly cooked shells swimming in a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Rich, hearty flavors meld seamlessly in a single pan, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Creamy textures and savory notes will have everyone around the table asking for seconds.

Grab a spoon and get ready to savor every single bite of this irresistible dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.

One-Pot Creamy Beef And Shells Hearty And Flavorful

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this entire meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pot Magic: Minimize cleanup with this single-pot recipe that combines pasta, beef, and creamy cheese into a complete meal, saving you time on dishes and kitchen mess.
• Kid-Approved Comfort: Packed with familiar flavors like cheesy pasta and ground beef, this dish appeals to both children and adults, ensuring a crowd-pleasing dinner that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping peas for other vegetables, adjusting cheese types, or adding extra seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.

One-Pot Creamy Beef & Shells Essentials

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source with savory flavor, choose lean beef for healthier option.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet green vegetable adding color and extra nutrition.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious creamy texture, look for high-fat content.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese for extra richness, shredded for easy melting.

• Shell Pasta: Curved shape perfect for capturing sauce, choose medium-sized shells.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base providing depth and aroma.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend adding Mediterranean-style taste profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential basic seasonings for balanced taste.

• Beef Broth: Builds deeper meat flavor, use low-sodium for better control.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat for sautéing ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for fresh finish and visual appeal.

One-Pot Creamy Beef And Shells: Full Cooking Process

Step 1: Kickstart with Sizzling Aromatics

Grab your trusty large pot and drizzle olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beefy Goodness

Drop ground beef into the pot, breaking it into bite-sized crumbles with your wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat develops a beautiful golden-brown color and loses its raw appearance, about 5-7 minutes.

If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it away.

Step 3: Spice Up the Meat

Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the beef.

Mix thoroughly to ensure every morsel is perfectly seasoned.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Liquids

Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the pot, creating a luscious base.

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling simmer.

Step 5: Pasta Swimming Party

Add uncooked shell pasta directly into the liquid.

Stir gently to make sure every shell is submerged.

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Cheese and Veggie Finale

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen peas

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely and peas are warmed through.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting one-pot wonder!

Shells Pasta Tips With Creamy Beef Blend

• Opt for 90% lean or higher to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier without compromising flavor.
• Stir pasta occasionally and watch liquid levels to prevent sticking or burning, adding extra broth if needed for perfect pasta texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to create unique flavor profiles and add depth to the dish.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu for a meatless version that maintains the creamy, comforting essence of the recipe.
• Use fresh parsley instead of dried for a brighter garnish, or add fresh basil and thyme during cooking to elevate the overall taste and aroma.

Creamy Beef Shells Stay Savory and Soft

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place a damp paper towel over the pasta when reheating to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
• Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating and preserve creamy texture.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore original consistency and prevent scorching.

Creamy Matches For Beef & Shells

• Pop Open a Bold Red: Reach for a medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, creamy beef flavors with its robust character.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select an amber ale or brown ale that matches the hearty meat and provides a smooth, malty counterpoint to the dish's creaminess.
• Refreshing Contrast Drink: Choose a crisp pilsner or light lager to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy pasta.
• Nonalcoholic Option: Serve with sparkling water infused with a splash of lemon to provide a bright, cleansing accompaniment that balances the dish's heaviness.

• Roast Crispy Greens: Prepare a simple roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts with garlic and parmesan to add a fresh, crunchy element to the meal.
• Bright Citrus Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to introduce a tangy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Beef Pasta Dinner Twists

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Shell Substitute: Replace pasta shells with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version, maintaining the creamy beef flavor while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese to create a lactose-free and vegan-friendly meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free shell pasta or replace shells with zucchini noodles, ensuring the recipe remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chilies, ground cumin, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to transform the dish into a zesty southwestern-style beef pasta.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute shell pasta with other short pasta like elbow macaroni or rotini. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar to match the liquid absorption.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This one-pot dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce and beef retain their flavor when gently rewarmed.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened dairy-free cream alternatives. Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy element. The overall flavor profile will remain similar.

• How lean should the ground beef be?

Choose ground beef with 85-90% lean meat for the best balance of flavor and reduced greasiness. If using very lean beef, you might need to add a bit more oil to prevent sticking during cooking.

One-Pot Creamy Beef & Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort classics get a delicious upgrade with one-pot creamy beef & shells, blending hearty ground beef and tender pasta in a rich, velvety sauce. Cheese-lovers and busy home cooks will savor this quick, satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 2 cups (340 grams) uncooked shell pasta
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) frozen peas

Seasonings and Dairy:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature. Gently sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their delicate flavor.
2. Introduce ground beef to the pot, methodically breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the meat achieves a rich, uniform brown color and loses its raw appearance.
3. Enhance the meat’s flavor profile by incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, thoroughly mixing to distribute the spices evenly throughout the beef.
4. Create a luxurious liquid foundation by carefully pouring beef broth and heavy cream into the pot. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle, rolling boil, which will help develop deeper flavor dimensions.
5. Immerse uncooked shell pasta directly into the bubbling liquid, ensuring each shell is completely submerged. Reduce heat to a low setting, cover the pot, and let the pasta simmer, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
6. As the pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, integrate shredded cheddar cheese and frozen peas. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the peas warm through, creating a creamy, vibrant mixture.
7. Terminate the cooking process, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a bright, herbaceous note before presenting this comforting one-pot wonder.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Use low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives to create a lighter cream sauce that’s still rich and satisfying.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a sharp aged cheddar to customize the flavor profile.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutritional value and create a more colorful meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg