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Creamy One-Pot Beef and Shells

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A quick and easy one-pot meal combining ground beef, pasta shells, and a creamy tomato sauce for a cozy and comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 8 oz medium pasta shells
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F). Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add diced onion and garlic to the beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant, stirring to avoid burning the garlic.
  3. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Stir to combine.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, then add the beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Bring the liquid to a boil, then stir in the pasta shells. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with the lid. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  6. Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes to thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Finish with fresh parsley sprinkled on top before serving.

Notes

If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is tender, add a splash more broth or water. Stir gently but often after adding pasta to prevent sticking. Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for best melt and flavor. For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. For gluten-free, use brown rice or lentil pasta shells and adjust cooking time. Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, beef, pasta shells, creamy, easy dinner, comfort food, quick meal

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-one-pot-beef-and-shells-recipe-for-easy-cozy-dinners/