Creamy One-Pot Beef and Shells

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 cups medium pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add Aromatics

1. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce

1. Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce.
2. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Stir everything together well.

4. Cook the Pasta

1. Add the uncooked pasta shells directly into the pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

5. Make It Creamy

1. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.
2. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
3. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

6. Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve warm.