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One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells – A Comforting Weeknight Favorite

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A creamy, cheesy one-pot pasta with ground beef, tender shells, and a rich tomato-cream sauce — perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

  • 2½ cups beef broth

  • 2 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

  • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

  • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes with juice.

  • Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Add uncooked pasta shells and stir.

  • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

  • Stir in heavy cream and simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes.

  • Remove from heat, add cheddar cheese, and stir until melted and creamy.

  • Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for variation.

  • Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables.

  • Reheat with broth or cream to loosen sauce.

Find it online: https://dishloomz.com/one-pot-creamy-beef-and-shells-a-comforting-weeknight-favorite/