Description
This One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, creamy pasta dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender shell pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb high-quality ground beef
- 8 oz shell pasta (medium shells work best)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and shell pasta. Stir to combine and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
4. Cook it all together: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Season and serve: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot!
Notes
Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the beef quality – it really makes a difference in the final flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg