Creamy One-Pot Beef and Shells – Rich, Cheesy, and Perfect for Busy Weeknights
There’s nothing better than a hearty homemade meal that comes together in just one pot. This Creamy One-Pot Beef and Shells combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce into a comforting dinner that’s full of flavor while keeping cleanup to a minimum. Every shell is coated in a creamy tomato-infused sauce, making each bite warm, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping when you need something quick without sacrificing taste. By cooking everything in one pot, the pasta absorbs the rich flavors of the beef, broth, and seasonings as it cooks, creating a meal that tastes like it has been simmering for hours. The combination of melted cheese and creamy sauce makes this a comforting favorite that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing leftovers for the next day, this recipe delivers reliable results every time. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients, requires very little preparation, and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or cheeses. Once you try this creamy one-pot meal, it will quickly become one of your go-to dinner recipes.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef.
12 ounces uncooked pasta shells.
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce.
2 cups beef broth.
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half.
1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese.
1 small onion, chopped.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 teaspoon Italian herbs.
½ teaspoon salt.
¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Instructions:
Step 1
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 3
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then stir everything together. Add the Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4
Add the uncooked pasta shells and stir until they are evenly covered with the liquid. Make sure most of the pasta is submerged.
Step 5
Slowly pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half while stirring gently. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Step 6
Let the mixture simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
