One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells

 

🧀 One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells – Hearty, Easy & Family-Friendly

When you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and comforting — without spending hours in the kitchen — this One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells delivers every time. It’s a fast, flavor-packed dinner that comes together with simple ingredients, all in a single pot for easy cleanup.

Think of it as a grown-up version of hamburger helper — but way better. Rich ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a creamy, cheesy sauce make it a weeknight winner the whole family will love.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ One-Pot = Less Cleanup

• ✅ Ready in 30 Minutes

• ✅ Kid-Approved Comfort Food

• ✅ Budget-Friendly & Filling

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📝 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 2 cups medium pasta shells (uncooked)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil & oregano)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

• ½ cup milk or heavy cream (for extra creaminess)

• Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley for garnish

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👩‍🍳 How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells

1. Cook the Beef:
   In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease if needed. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

2. Add the Liquids & Pasta:
   Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, pasta shells, and seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

3. Make It Cheesy:
   Once the shells are cooked, stir in the milk or cream. Then add the shredded cheese and mix until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Serve:
   Spoon into bowls, top with more cheese or a sprinkle of parsley if you like, and dig in!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad or steamed green beans for balance

• Great with garlic bread or dinner rolls

• Try topping with hot sauce or crushed red pepper if you like it spicy

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce

• Freezer-Friendly? Yes! Just let it cool fully, then freeze for up to 2 months

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🥄 Recipe Tips & Variations

• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers with the pasta

• Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version

• More Creamy? Add a bit of cream cheese or sour cream at the end

• Extra Flavor: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard can deepen the flavor

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Final Thoughts

One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells is everything a busy cook could ask for: fast, filling, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of comforting dish that brings people back for seconds — and maybe even thirds. With just one pot and a few ingredients, you’ve got a weeknight dinner that hits the spot every time.