Description
This One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells is a quick and comforting weeknight dinner made with ground beef, pasta shells, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and flavor unbeatable. Great for busy families and picky eaters!
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound ground beef
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 1/2 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Stir in onion and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Add uncooked pasta shells and bring the mixture to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
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Stir in heavy cream and cheeses until melted and smooth.
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Simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes to thicken, if needed.
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
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Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg