Cozy One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells Recipe: Family Favorite

Steaming comfort arrives with this irresistible one pot cheesy beef and shells recipe that promises warmth in every bite.

Tender ground beef mingles with perfectly cooked pasta shells, creating a delightful dance of flavors.

Creamy cheese sauce blankets each shell, turning a simple meal into a spectacular dining experience.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions, and this dish delivers exceptional taste with minimal cleanup.

The blend of rich beef and melted cheese transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Families will gather around the table, eager to savor each comforting spoonful of this hearty, soul-warming creation.

Prepare to be impressed by how effortlessly delicious home cooking can be.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that provides rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture for the dish.
• Onion: Aromatic foundation that adds depth and sweetness to the meat base.

• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that creates a robust and complex taste profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Vibrant herb blend that infuses Mediterranean warmth and complexity.
• Paprika: Subtle smoky note that adds gentle warmth and beautiful reddish color.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate all other ingredients.

• Beef Broth: Rich liquid base that intensifies meaty flavors and helps cook pasta.
• Tomato Sauce: Tangy, smooth element that adds bright acidity and beautiful color.
• Pasta Shells: Curved pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious binding ingredient that creates silky, indulgent texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that provides classic tangy richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Stretchy cheese that creates irresistible, gooey pull.
• Parsley: Fresh green garnish that adds bright color and light herbal finish.

Tools That Simplify This Comfort Food Recipe

• Large Pot or Deep Skillet: Essential for cooking ground beef, onions, and preparing the entire one-pot meal.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating cheese if using block cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping onions and parsley garnish.
• Colander: Helpful for draining excess fat from ground beef, if needed.

Cooking Instructions for This One Pot Dinner

• Brown the Beef and Onions

Sizzle ground beef and chopped onions in a single large pot, creating a delicious foundation of flavor. Let the meat turn golden and the onions soften, releasing their savory aroma.

• Awaken the Spices

Sprinkle in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of paprika. Let these aromatics dance and release their intense flavors for a quick moment.

• Build the Liquid Base

Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce, then tumble in the pasta shells. Stir everything together to ensure each shell gets coated with the rich liquid.

• Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat. Cover and let the pasta gently cook, stirring occasionally until it becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors.

• Create the Creamy Cheese Finish

Splash in heavy cream and sprinkle in your favorite cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts completely, transforming the dish into a luxuriously smooth and creamy masterpiece.

• Final Touch

Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Ideas to Switch Up Cheeses or Seasoning

• Cook shells al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a slight bite in the final dish.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan-friendly version that still delivers rich, creamy flavor.
• Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of extra broth to restore creamy consistency.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that maintains the recipe's delicious profile.
• Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat, or incorporate smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex flavor that takes the dish to the next level.

Ways to Serve It for Dinner or Gatherings

• Comfort Food Feast: Perfect with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the cheesy beef and shells.
• Hearty Family Dinner: Serve alongside garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce and making the meal extra satisfying.
• Game Night Favorite: Pair with chilled beer or a light red wine to complement the savory flavors and create a relaxed, enjoyable dining experience.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Top with extra shredded cheese or some crispy breadcrumbs for added texture and to make the dish even more exciting for children.

Store It in Batches for Meal Prep Wins

• Transfer leftovers into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping refrigerated for 3-4 days of delicious enjoyment.
• Restore creamy texture by adding splash of beef broth or milk when warming in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Prepare entire recipe ahead of time, portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners that taste freshly made.

Hearty One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this one pot cheesy beef and shells recipe, where hearty pasta shells dance with seasoned ground beef in a creamy, melted cheese embrace. Hungry families will devour this simple skillet meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 ounces / 15 oz) tomato sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Protein: In a large pot, warm olive oil and introduce ground beef with diced onions, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook until meat browns and onions become translucent, eliminating any excess grease.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Incorporate minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika, allowing the spices to bloom and release their intense flavors for approximately one minute.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour beef broth and tomato sauce over the meat mixture, then nestle pasta shells into the liquid. Ensure shells are fully submerged and evenly distributed.
4. Cooking Fusion: Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let ingredients meld together, stirring periodically, until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture (12-15 minutes).
5. Creamy Transformation: Stream heavy cream into the pot and sprinkle shredded cheeses, stirring continuously until a luxurious, smooth sauce develops and cheese completely dissolves.
6. Final Refinement: Assess seasoning, adjusting with additional salt and pepper as needed. Delicately garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve piping hot directly from the cooking vessel.

Notes

• Remove excess grease after browning beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent shells from sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the pot.
• Add cheeses off the heat and stir gently to create a smooth, creamy sauce without breaking or becoming grainy.
• Adjust seasonings like paprika or add red pepper flakes for those who enjoy more spice in their one-pot meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg