One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
Description:
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich, creamy sauce. With the perfect blend of beef broth, diced tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this comforting dish will satisfy your cravings and keep everyone at the table coming back for more!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups medium pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Break up the beef as it cooks for an even texture. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato soup, beef broth, and pasta shells. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the pasta shells are tender and have absorbed some of the liquid.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Season and Serve:
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Enjoy!
- Serve this creamy, savory dish hot, and enjoy a comforting meal made in just one pot!
Reheating and Storage Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftover One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, adding a little liquid to keep it creamy.
- Freezing: While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove, adding more liquid if necessary.
20 FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
- Can I make this dish with ground turkey or chicken? Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! You can add frozen peas, diced carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Can I use cream instead of cheddar cheese? Heavy cream can be used for a creamier texture, but it won’t provide the same cheesy flavor as cheddar.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture while cooking.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, mozzarella or gouda are great alternatives to cheddar cheese.
- Can I use homemade beef broth? Yes, homemade beef broth will add extra richness to the dish, but store-bought is fine as well.
- How do I make the dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta shells to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Can I add more cheese for a cheesier dish? Yes, feel free to add more cheese to suit your taste!
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes. Just chop and cook them down a bit to create a saucy consistency.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or beans for a vegetarian version.
- What can I substitute for tomato soup? You can use cream of mushroom soup or even a mix of diced tomatoes and a little cream for a similar creamy texture.
- Can I use low-sodium beef broth? Yes, using low-sodium beef broth is a great option if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the beef and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Can I use a different type of broth? Yes, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth.
- How do I make this dish dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese and broth to make the dish dairy-free.
- Can I add more pasta? Yes, you can increase the amount of pasta if you want a heartier dish.
- How do I make this dish creamier? Stir in a bit of cream or whole milk along with the cheese for extra creaminess.
- What other herbs can I use in this dish? Thyme, basil, or oregano would all be great additions to the seasoning of this dish.
- Can I serve this with bread? Yes, this dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls.
20 Best Tips to Make the Perfect One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells:
- Brown the beef thoroughly to develop deep, savory flavor.
- Don’t skip draining the excess fat from the ground beef to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Stir the pasta every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use a lid when simmering to help the pasta cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
- Adjust the liquid levels depending on your preferred sauce consistency—add more broth for a thinner sauce or less for a thicker one.
- If you like extra cheese, sprinkle more on top before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Experiment with adding a little bit of Italian seasoning to elevate the taste.
- Keep the heat low once the cheese is added to avoid curdling the sauce.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef broth and a little heavy cream.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked pasta and simmer for just a few minutes.
- For a touch of smokiness, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Always taste before serving—season with more salt, pepper, or cheese as needed.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Let the dish sit off the heat for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of parmesan just before serving for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Stir in cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value.
- For a crispy topping, transfer the dish to an oven-safe dish and broil for a minute or two until the cheese is golden.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—check for tenderness early to avoid mushy pasta.
- For an added kick, sprinkle chili flakes or add hot sauce to the finished dish.
With these tips, you’ll have a hearty, comforting, and creamy One-Pot Beef and Shells ready in no time!
