One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells for Easy Dinner (Print version)
Tender pasta shells simmered with ground beef, tomato, broth, and cheddar for a creamy one-pot dinner.
# Ingredients:
For the beef and pasta
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
02 -
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
03 -
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
06 -
1 teaspoon paprika
07 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
08 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
09 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
2 1/2 cups (590 ml) beef broth
11 -
1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
12 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
13 -
8 oz (225 g) medium pasta shells
For the cheese sauce
14 -
2 oz (55 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
15 -
1 1/2 cups (170 g) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
16 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk or heavy cream, if needed
17 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a wide Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, then cook for 7-9 minutes until the beef is browned and reaches 160°F. Drain excess grease if needed.
02 -
Add garlic, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often, until the tomato paste smells rich and slightly darkens.
03 -
Stir in beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dry shells. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium so it bubbles steadily.
04 -
Cook uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the shells are tender and most of the liquid has thickened into a sauce. Add a small splash of broth if the pot gets dry before the pasta is done.
05 -
Turn off the heat. Stir in cream cheese until smooth, then add cheddar a handful at a time. Add milk or cream only if you want the sauce looser.
06 -
Let the pasta stand for 2 minutes so the sauce clings to the shells. Taste for salt and pepper, then finish with parsley and serve warm.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served right after cooking while the sauce is creamy.
02 -
Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest melt.
03 -
Add broth in small splashes if the pasta needs more time.