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+ servings

One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells Pasta

Quick and easy creamy beef and shells pasta made in one pot! A family-friendly dinner ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s cozy. It’s cheesy. It’s kid-approved. And best of all? It’s all made in one pot and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4

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.
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