One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells

One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells is a comforting and hearty pasta dish that combines tender pasta shells, flavorful ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce—all cooked together in a single pot for easy preparation and cleanup. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.​Easy Instant Recipes+1Reddit+1

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic schedules.​
• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, reducing the number of dishes to wash.​
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.​
• Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and filling—a perfect dish for cozy evenings.​EatingWell+7Averie Cooks+7Simply Recipes+7

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lean ground beef​Damn Delicious+9Eating in an Instant+9Easy Instant Recipes+9
• Medium pasta shells​thecomfortofcooking.com+6Easy Instant Recipes+6Reddit+6
• Olive oil​
• Onion​Cooklist: Plan • Shop • Cook+3Log in or sign up to view+3Hungry Happens+3
• Garlic​The Chunky Chef
• Italian seasoning​Simply Recipes+14Averie Cooks+14Log in or sign up to view+14
• Paprika​The Seasoned Mom+7Averie Cooks+7Damn Delicious+7
• Tomato paste​Salt & Lavender
• Beef broth​Damn Delicious+10Hungry Happens+10Salt & Lavender+10
• Heavy cream​Easy Instant Recipes+4Salt & Lavender+4Damn Delicious+4
• Worcestershire sauce​Salt & Lavender
• Cheddar cheese​The Chunky Chef+12Averie Cooks+12Simply Recipes+12
• Salt and pepper​Hungry Happens+1thecomfortofcooking.com+1

Directions

1. Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.​
2. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for about a minute until fragrant.​
3. Incorporate Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta shells. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, approximately 10-12 minutes.​thecomfortofcooking.com
4. Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.​
5. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.​thecomfortofcooking.com

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.​
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes​Meatloaf and Melodrama+14thecomfortofcooking.com+14Easy Instant Recipes+14
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes​Salt & Lavender+11Southern Living+11Eating in an Instant+11
• Total Time: 30 minutes​

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.​The Seasoned Mom
• Pasta Choices: While medium shells are traditional, feel free to use other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.​The Seasoned Mom
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses such as white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a unique taste.​
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers by adding them when cooking the onions.​

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.​Salt & Lavender
• Freezing: Due to the dairy content, freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the sauce.​Salt & Lavender+1EatingWell+1
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary. Stir occasionally until heated through.​Salt & Lavender

FAQs

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.​

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, such as broth and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.​

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when cooking the onions to increase the nutritional value.​Easy Instant Recipes

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to adjust the sauce consistency.​

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely, other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well in this recipe.​The Seasoned Mom

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce even after cooking.​

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this meal nicely.​

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

It’s best to use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded varieties often contain additives that prevent smooth melting.​The Seasoned Mom

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.​

Is this recipe spicy?

No, this dish is not inherently spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer some heat.​

Conclusion

One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells is a delicious and convenient meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and creamy

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