One Pot Cheesy Beef Shells

One Pot Cheesy Beef Shells is a recipe that I use again and again. It’s hasty, filling, and brimming with flavor. Best yet: There’s only one pot to clean up, so that means less time scrubbing up and more recognition. This is my preferred one-pot carnivorous dinner for weeknights where one doesn’t want to spend much time in the kitchen but still needs something comfy and fulfilling.

What is One Pot Cheesy Beef Shells All About?

One Pot Cheesy Beef Shells is a peculiarly very nice recipe for creamy, cheesy noodle states made of ground beef, soft shells of pasta, and rich cheese that brings them all together. The flavor comes from the beef, while the shells soak everything in the cheesy goodness, and then you eat a dish that simply tastes divine. It is like mac and cheese, beef-ed up and spiced out.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups medium pasta shells
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cooking the Beef: The first thing that you will want to do is to heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then add ground beef and cook until brown, breaking it up as it cooks with a wooden spoon. Drain off the excess grease
2. Aromatics: Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and aromatic.
3. Liquids and Pasta: Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Put the pasta shells in a pot and bring them to a gentle bubbling simmer.
4. Cooking the Shells: Cover and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring now and then, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Cheesy: Turn the heat down to low. Mix in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
6. Serve: Dish it out hot, and oh, that sticky, cheesy goodness!

Storage Tips

• Leftovers may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain its creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread and a light side salad.
• Fresh parsley or basil can be sprinkled on for color.
• Serve as your dinner entree, and leftovers are perfect for lunch the following day.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Swap out ground beef with an animal alternative like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• For more cheese diversity, use mozzarella or pepper jack cheese.
• Add spinach, peas, or bell peppers to pack even more veggies into the dish.
• Wanting some spice? Throw in some red pepper flakes and or jalapeños.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this One Pot Cheesy Beef Shells ahead of time?

Definitely! It’s most probably one of the best reheats. Just splash some broth or milk on it to revive the sauce.

2. Can you use gluten-free pasta?

Sure, you can. The only thing that you must keep in mind is the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta cooks faster.

3. What if I didn’t have heavy cream?

Regular milk or half-and-half can be used instead. It’ll still be creamy, only lighter.

4. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Totally, it’s cheesy and not spicy. If you think your kids hate spice, you can skip the red pepper flakes.

Try It!

When you like the simple varieties of food that can also be very comforting, expect these One-Pot Cheesy Beef Shells to quickly become one of your favorites. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—all made in one pot. Try it tonight and I’ll bet your family will be asking for it time and again!