One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is a cozy and comforting meal that brings together tender ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a luscious creamy sauce all cooked in a single pot. The combination of juicy beef and soft shells soaked in the rich sauce makes for a simple but satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I love making this dish on busy weeknights because it’s quick to prepare and clean up is a breeze with just one pot to wash. The creamy sauce is my favorite part—I usually add a little extra cheese to make it even creamier and richer. Sometimes I toss in some fresh herbs or a handful of veggies to keep it colorful and tasty.
Serving One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells straight from the pot feels comforting and relaxed, perfect for casual family meals or when friends drop by spontaneously. It’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to enjoy, especially when paired with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce. I always find myself going back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This adds rich flavor and protein. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or a plant-based ground beef substitute for a vegetarian twist.
Pasta shells: The shape holds the creamy sauce well. If you can’t find shells, try small pasta like elbow macaroni or orecchiette instead.
Cream cheese and heavy cream: These create the creamy texture. For a lighter choice, use cream cheese with reduced fat and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang. You can use mozzarella for milder creaminess or a blend of cheeses for more depth.
Beef broth: It adds savoriness to the sauce. If broth isn’t available, vegetable broth or even water with extra seasoning works fine.
How Do You Get the Creamy Sauce Smooth and Perfect?
The key to a silky sauce is gently melting the cream cheese and stirring constantly. Here’s how I do it:
- After pasta is tender, lower the heat before adding cream cheese and heavy cream. High heat can cause curdling.
- Break the cream cheese into smaller pieces and add gradually, stirring until fully melted.
- Once smooth, add shredded cheddar slowly and stir until melted for extra creaminess.
- Keep stirring gently to avoid sticking and to blend flavors evenly.
Patience here pays off with a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and beef.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven – perfect for cooking everything in one pot, saving you time and dishes.
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula – great for stirring without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for adding broth, cream, and spices accurately.
- Cheese grater – handy if you shred your own cheese for fresher flavor.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping onion, garlic, and parsley easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing onions for extra veggies and flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Mix in cooked spinach or kale at the end to boost color and nutrition without changing the creamy texture.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta shells
- 4 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes total. It’s perfect for a quick, hearty meal with minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pot!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Aromatics and Beef
Heat the oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and smelling great. Then, add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
2. Add Spices and Pasta
Stir in paprika, oregano, chili powder (if you like a little heat), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat with the flavors. Then, add the uncooked pasta shells and pour in the beef broth. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
3. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking. Check that the pasta is soft.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh touch. Serve right from the pot and enjoy your creamy, comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking frozen beef directly may cause uneven cooking and affect texture.
Can I Substitute the Pasta Shells with Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or orzo work well and will still absorb the creamy sauce nicely. Just adjust cooking time as needed based on the pasta type.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Transfer leftover creamy beef and shells to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free or Vegan?
For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with plant-based alternatives, and use coconut milk or a nut-based cream instead of heavy cream. Replace ground beef with plant-based protein or lentils to keep it vegan-friendly.
