Description
A quick and comforting one-pot dinner featuring tender ground beef, pasta shells, and a rich creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is hearty, family-friendly, and easy to clean up with just one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Pasta
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Add finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent to build a flavorful base.
- Add Liquids and Pasta Shells: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Add dry pasta shells and mix well so the pasta is submerged for even cooking.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 12-15 minutes.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Slowly mix in heavy cream and shredded cheeses. Stir gently until cheese melts and the sauce thickens to creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the creamy beef and shells into bowls and enjoy your comforting, cheesy meal.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and onions for enhanced aroma and flavor.
- Check pasta early to avoid overcooking and mushiness, aiming for al dente texture.
- Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Adjust the amount of cream to your preferred sauce consistency.
- Reserve some cheese to sprinkle on top before serving for extra melty goodness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: one-pot, beef pasta, creamy, quick dinner, comfort food, family-friendly, weeknight meal
