What the heck is this?
It’s comfort food in a single pan, and it’s got everything: tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and loads of melty, cheesy goodness. Think of it as a grown-up version of Hamburger Helper, but better. Way better. Minimal dishes, max flavor—and yes, it totally tastes like something Grandma would’ve made on a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– It’s all made in one pot—hello, easy cleanup
– Creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness in every bite
– Ready in 30 minutes (even less if you’re fast)
– Super family-friendly and picky-eater approved
– Perfect for meal prep, leftovers reheat like a dream
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground beef (lean is best)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
– 2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for lighter version)
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– Optional: parsley or basil for garnish
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Sizzle Time
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Beef It Up
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Sauce It Up
Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Let it cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Add the beef broth and tomato sauce, then stir in the pasta shells.
Step 4: Simmer and Chill (Not Really)
Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Step 5: Make It Cheesy
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until everything is melty and creamy and amazing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and bask in your one-pot dinner success.
Serving Suggestions
– Add a simple green salad and garlic bread for a full meal
– Perfect for lunchboxes the next day—just reheat and devour
– Pair with roasted veggies or steamed broccoli for a healthy twist
Switch It Up
– Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
– Swap in mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheese vibe
– Add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to sneak in extra veg
Make-Ahead Tips
– This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days
– Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy
– Can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Totally. Elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini all work—just adjust cook time slightly if needed.
Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: Yep! Use whole milk, or even a little extra broth + a splash of sour cream for a tangy twist.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: 100%. It’s cheesy, beefy, and not spicy—basically kid dinner gold.
One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells: Your New Weeknight Hero
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 4–6 servings
Description
It’s comfort food in a single pan, and it’s got everything: tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and loads of melty, cheesy goodness. Think of it as a grown-up version of Hamburger Helper, but better. Way better. Minimal dishes, max flavor—and yes, it totally tastes like something Grandma would’ve made on a cozy night in.
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground beef (lean is best)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
– 2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for lighter version)
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– Optional: parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sizzle Time
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Beef It Up
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Sauce It Up
Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Let it cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Add the beef broth and tomato sauce, then stir in the pasta shells.
Step 4: Simmer and Chill (Not Really)
Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Step 5: Make It Cheesy
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until everything is melty and creamy and amazing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and bask in your one-pot dinner success.
Notes
Add a simple green salad and garlic bread for a full meal
– Perfect for lunchboxes the next day—just reheat and devour
– Pair with roasted veggies or steamed broccoli for a healthy twist
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 24g