Here’s a cozy, easy One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells—creamy, hearty, and perfect for busy nights 🧀🍝
🧀🍝 One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-jack)
Instructions
- Brown the beef
In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef (and onion if using) until browned.
Drain excess grease. - Add flavor
Stir in garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant. - One-pot cook
Add beef broth, milk, pasta shells, and tomato sauce.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. - Simmer
Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. - Add cheese
Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. - Rest & serve
Let sit 2–3 minutes to thicken. Serve warm.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Add a handful of spinach or peas at the end for veggies
- Swap cheddar for Velveeta or mozzarella for extra creaminess
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Thin with a splash of milk if it thickens too much
If you want, I can also give you a slow-cooker version, a no-tomato creamy version, or a kid-friendly mild version 😊
