If there’s one dinner I can count on to make everyone in my family happy (even picky toddlers), without spending forever in the kitchen, it’s this creamy beef and shells pasta dinner. It’s cozy, cheesy, and kid-approved. And best of all? It’s all made in one pot and comes together in under 30 minutes.
For another one-pot meal, try my Chicken Orzo next.
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This easy ground beef pasta is one of those dinners I lean on when I really don’t feel like cooking (you know the nights). It’s quick, comforting, and my toddler always goes in for seconds. It’s become one of our go-to weeknight meals, especially when we want something hearty and satisfying with minimal effort.
The creamy sauce is also a great disguise for adding in some hidden veggies for a more hearty meal. Finely chopped spinach, zucchini, carrots, even riced cauliflower all melt right in and go unnoticed.
Why Families Love This Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
This one pot creamy beef and shells recipe is a regular in our weekly rotation because:
- It’s a 30 minute one pot pasta dinner, perfect for nights when time is tight.
- It’s a quick and easy pasta with ground beef and cheese that the whole family enjoys.
- Everything cooks in one pot, which means less mess and fewer dishes.
- You can easily customize it with extra veggies or switch up the protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef
- Medium pasta shells
- Onion & garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Shredded cheddar or cheese blend
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Optional veggies: spinach, zucchini, riced cauliflower
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta in One Pot
In a large pot, cook ground beef with diced onions over medium heat until no longer pink. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
Add in tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and pasta shells. Mix it well then cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is cooked. Stir occasionally.
Once the shells are tender, reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until everything is smooth and creamy.
Seriously, if your kids love cheesy pasta, this one is going to be a hit. I’ve made it more times than I can count and it saves me every time I don’t know what to cook but want something hearty and delicious.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- No shells? Use elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne—any short pasta works in this creamy pasta recipe.
- Want a lighter version? Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Switch up the protein and try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
Looking for More Easy One Pot Dinner Recipes?
Ground Turkey Taco Skillet
Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken
One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust as needed
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 8 oz medium pasta shells uncooked
- 3 cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or a cheese blend
- Optional: 1 cup finely chopped spinach shredded zucchini, or riced cauliflower
Instructions
Stovetop Method
- In a large pot, cook ground beef with diced onions over medium heat until no longer pink. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
- Add in tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and pasta shells. Mix it well then cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is cooked. Stir occasionally.
- Once the shells are tender, reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until everything is smooth and creamy.
Instant Pot Method
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté setting. Preheat the inner pot on Sauté More/High.
- Add olive oil to the pot and let it heat up.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Mince the beef and stir regularly as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion to the pot, and cook for 3 minutes until the onion is translucent. After, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper for 30 seconds then select cancel.
- Add beef broth, tomato sauce and shell pasta to the pot. Stir well until the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid.
- Secure the lid on the Instant pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Select the pressure cook setting. Pressure Cook on High for 5 min. When the time is up, carefully quick release the pressure.
- Once done, select cancel and remove the lid.
- Stir in heavy cream and gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
2 comments
Where do you put in the spinach?
You can add the spinach in the end, stir until wilted.