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- 1 pound ground beef - 2 cups medium shell pasta - 1 cup heavy cream Ground beef is the star of this dish. It gives a rich flavor and texture. I prefer using lean ground beef to keep it healthier. The medium shell pasta holds the sauce well, making each bite creamy and satisfying. Heavy cream adds a velvety touch. It makes the dish feel special and indulgent. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth to the meal. The chopped onion and minced garlic add a sweet and savory base. Sautéing them creates a lovely aroma. Red pepper flakes can give a little kick, but use them if you enjoy some heat. - 4 cups beef broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen peas Beef broth adds a rich, meaty flavor. It also helps cook the pasta just right. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy sauce that clings to every shell. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness. They are a great way to sneak in some veggies! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add 1 pound of ground beef. 3. Cook until the beef is brown and no longer pink. 4. Make sure to stir often to break it apart. 5. Next, drain any excess fat from the pot. 1. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, to the pot. 2. Along with the onion, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. 3. Cook until the onion turns soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. 4. This step brings out a lovely aroma. 1. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and bring it to a boil. 2. Once boiling, stir in 2 cups of medium shell pasta. 3. Lower the heat and let it simmer. 4. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then. 5. You want the pasta to be tender but still firm. 1. After the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. 2. Next, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. 3. Then, mix in 1 cup of frozen peas. 4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. 5. The mix should look creamy and delicious. This dish is easy and fills you up. Plus, it’s all made in one pot! To get perfect noodles, cook the shell pasta until it is al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard. It helps the pasta hold its shape and not become mushy. Stir the pasta every few minutes while it cooks. This keeps it from sticking together and helps it cook evenly. When serving this dish, deep bowls work best. The creamy beef and shells look great in them. For added color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. You can also add an extra sprinkle of cheese. This makes the dish even more inviting. Watch out for overcooking the pasta. If you cook it too long, it may turn mushy and lose its shape. Also, taste your dish as you cook. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Skipping this step can lead to a bland dish that lacks flavor. Pro Tips Brown the Beef Properly: Ensure the ground beef is browned evenly to develop a rich flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a nice sear. Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the shell pasta until just al dente. It will continue to cook in the sauce, so you want it slightly underdone. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and freshness. Consider adding it at the end of cooking for the best taste. Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can switch out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These meats are leaner, and they still taste great. Just cook them the same way. For the heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Both will still give you that creamy texture, but the yogurt will add a nice tang. Want to make it even tastier? You can add more veggies! Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. They all blend well with the dish. For spices, add a pinch of paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. If you like cheese, use pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor. To make this meal gluten-free, use gluten-free shell pasta. There are many great brands available now. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, swap the beef for lentils or mushrooms. This keeps the heartiness while making it meat-free. Don't forget to adjust the broth to veggie broth for flavor! To keep your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells fresh, store it right. First, let the dish cool down. Then, scoop the leftovers into airtight containers. This helps keep the flavors strong. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it sooner rather than later. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, heat them carefully. To reheat without drying out, add a splash of beef broth or cream. This keeps the dish creamy. For the microwave, use a covered bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stovetop, warm it on low heat, stirring often. This helps maintain the dish’s texture and flavor. Yes, you can freeze One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells! To do this, let it cool completely. Place it in freezer-safe containers. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal later! Yes, you can use different pasta shapes! While medium shell pasta works well, you can also try: - Penne - Fusilli - Farfalle These shapes hold sauce nicely. Just keep an eye on cooking times. Different pasta types may cook faster or slower. To change the serving size, simply scale the ingredients. For more servings, multiply each ingredient. For fewer, divide them. This recipe serves 4-6 people. Here’s a quick guide: - For 2 servings: Use 1/3 pound ground beef. - For 8 servings: Use 1.5 pounds ground beef. Adjust your pot size if you scale up a lot! Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Here’s how: - Cook the beef and sauté the onion and garlic. - Let the mixture cool, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, just add broth, pasta, cream, and peas. This saves time and keeps dinner easy! In this article, we explored how to create a delicious pasta dish using simple ingredients like ground beef, shell pasta, and heavy cream. You learned about the best cooking methods, tips to avoid common mistakes, and ways to customize the recipe. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Don’t hesitate to try new ingredients or adjust flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy your meal, and happy cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells

A delicious and creamy one-pot meal featuring ground beef, shell pasta, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups medium shell pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it's fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) until combined.
  • Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, add the shell pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen peas. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheese on top for a pop of color.
Keyword beef, creamy, one-pot, pasta