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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Enhance the meat’s flavor profile by incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, thoroughly mixing to distribute the spices evenly throughout the beef.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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