There’s something truly magical about a one-pot meal that’s both easy to make and ridiculously delicious. That’s exactly what you get with this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells—a hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal the whole family will love, this recipe has you covered.

Now, let’s talk about what makes this dish so special. Imagine tender pasta shells soaking up a rich, creamy sauce packed with savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a touch of marinara for that perfect balance of flavor. And the best part? You only need one pot to make it happen—because who really wants to do extra dishes?

If you love dishes like hamburger helper but want something homemade and even better, this is going to be your new favorite go-to recipe. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s go over the simple ingredients that make this dish so incredibly tasty:

For the Beef and Sauce:

• Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the dish, adding a rich, meaty flavor.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the onions and adds a little extra richness.
• Small onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because everything tastes better with garlic!
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A flavorful blend of herbs that gives the dish that classic Italian touch.
• Salt (½ teaspoon) & black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors.

For the Pasta and Creamy Sauce:

• Medium pasta shells (8 ounces): The perfect shape to hold onto all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Beef broth (2 cups): Adds savory depth while cooking the pasta.
• Marinara sauce (1 cup): A little tangy, a little sweet, and full of rich tomato flavor.
• Heavy cream (½ cup): Makes everything luxuriously creamy.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce, making it perfectly cheesy and comforting.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:

• Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): For even more cheesy deliciousness.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): If you like a little heat.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.

Step 1: Cooking the Beef

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking!

Start by grabbing a large skillet or pot—something big enough to hold everything without making a mess. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 1 small chopped onion and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, just until it softens and turns slightly translucent.

Next, toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely amazing. (Seriously, is there anything better than the smell of garlic sizzling in olive oil?)

Now, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If there’s any excess grease, go ahead and drain it—no one wants a greasy sauce!

Step 2: Adding the Seasonings and Liquids

With your beef beautifully browned, it’s time to season it up! Stir in:

• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

Mix everything together so those flavors really soak into the beef.

Now, pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of marinara sauce. Stir everything well so that the sauce starts coming together. At this point, you’ll notice the mixture looking a little soupy—but don’t worry, that’s exactly what we want! The pasta will soak up all that liquid as it cooks, creating the perfect rich and flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Cooking the Pasta

One of the best things about this recipe is that the pasta cooks right in the same pot with the beef and sauce. Not only does this save time and dishes, but it also allows the pasta to soak up all those incredible flavors as it cooks.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Pour 8 ounces of medium pasta shells straight into the skillet.
• Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is evenly distributed in the liquid.
• Turn the heat to medium-low and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Let it cook uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the liquid level as the pasta cooks. If it starts to look too dry before the pasta is fully tender, add a splash of beef broth or water. We want just enough liquid left to create a rich, creamy sauce at the end.

As the pasta softens and absorbs the broth and marinara, you’ll notice the sauce thickening beautifully. The starch from the pasta helps everything come together, creating a velvety, flavorful base that’s just begging for a little extra indulgence. And that’s exactly what we’re about to add next!

Step 4: Making It Creamy

Now that your pasta is cooked to perfection, it’s time to take this dish to the next level by adding in the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes it so irresistible.

• Reduce the heat to low to prevent the dairy from separating.
• Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream—this instantly transforms the sauce into a rich, velvety dream.
• Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.

At this point, the dish is looking absolutely decadent. The creamy cheese blends perfectly with the savory beef and pasta, creating a comfort food masterpiece.

Want even more cheesiness? Go ahead and stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. The Parmesan adds a slightly nutty, salty bite that balances out the richness of the dish.

If you love a little heat, now’s the time to sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick. Trust me—it makes a difference!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

You’ve made it to the finish line, and your one-pot creamy beef and shells is ready to be served! But before you dig in, let’s add a few finishing touches:

• Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a minute or two—this helps the sauce thicken up even more.
• Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
• Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a little extra pinch of salt or black pepper brings out all the flavors even more.

And that’s it! Scoop out a big, cheesy serving, grab a fork, and enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While medium pasta shells work great because they hold onto the creamy sauce, you can swap them out for other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, elbow macaroni, or farfalle. Just keep in mind that different pasta shapes might require slight adjustments in cooking time.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No worries! You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut milk or cashew cream can work, though they may slightly alter the flavor.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This dish stores well and reheats beautifully. If you’re making it ahead, cook as directed but stop before adding the heavy cream and cheese. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the pasta over low heat, then stir in the cream and cheese to bring everything back to life.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but with one small tweak! Dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, so if you plan to freeze this, leave out the heavy cream and cheese. Freeze the pasta and beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat and stir in the cream and cheese just before serving.

6. How can I make this recipe a little healthier?

Here are a few easy swaps to lighten things up:

• Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.
• Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
• Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
• Add more veggies—bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would all be great additions!

7. What can I serve with creamy beef and shells?

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to add a side, try serving it with:

• Garlic bread – Because extra carbs are never a bad idea.
• A simple green salad – Something light and fresh to balance the richness.
• Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies – A great way to sneak in more greens.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect One-Pot Dinner

And there you have it—One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells, a meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a single pot, you get a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

Whether you’re making this for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a bowl of pure comfort, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Happy cooking!

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