This creamy beef and shells is one of those one-pot dinners that feels almost too easy for how comforting and filling it is. Everything happens in a Dutch oven: you brown some ground beef, scatter in dry pasta shells, then pour one creamy, tomato-y, cheesy liquid over the top and let it all simmer together. The sauce is a simple mix of beef broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheddar, so it tastes like a cozy mash-up of hamburger helper and a skillet lasagna. I started making this on nights when I’d get home late from work but still wanted something homemade that would keep us full all evening, and it quickly became a regular in our weeknight rotation.
Serve this creamy beef and shells straight from the Dutch oven with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up the extra sauce. If you like a little brightness, add a squeeze of lemon over the salad or a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top of the pasta. A crisp white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or iced tea all work well alongside this hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dish.
Creamy One-Pot Beef and ShellsServings: 6
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces uncooked medium pasta shells
2 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper to the Dutch oven. Cook, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. If there is excess grease, carefully spoon off most of it, leaving just a thin layer for flavor.
Turn off the heat under the Dutch oven for a moment. Pour the uncooked pasta shells directly over the browned beef and gently spread them into an even layer. Do not stir yet; you want the shells mostly on top of the meat so the creamy liquid can soak through them.
In a large measuring cup or mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning until the tomato paste is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and uniform. Whisk in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it starts to melt into the liquid. If using, whisk in the crushed red pepper flakes. This is your one creamy liquid mixture.
Return the Dutch oven to medium heat. Slowly pour the creamy liquid mixture evenly over the uncooked pasta shells and browned beef in the Dutch oven, making sure to cover as much of the pasta as possible. Use the back of a spoon to gently press any exposed shells down into the liquid so they can cook evenly, but avoid heavy stirring.
Bring the mixture just up to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking, until the pasta shells are tender and most of the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
Remove the lid and check the consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, until it looks creamy and loose enough to coat the shells. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 more minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly reduced.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
Let the creamy beef and shells rest for 3 to 5 minutes with the lid slightly ajar; this helps the sauce cling to the pasta and makes the dish feel extra hearty. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley, if using, and serve hot straight from the Dutch oven.
Variations & Tips
To lighten this dish up a bit, you can use half-and-half in place of some of the heavy cream (try 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup half-and-half) and choose a leaner ground beef. For extra veggies without extra pans, stir in 1 to 2 cups of frozen peas or mixed vegetables during the last 5 minutes of simmering, or sauté diced bell peppers with the onion at the beginning. If you prefer a different cheese profile, swap some or all of the cheddar for mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a smoky cheddar. For a bit more Italian flair, add 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef as it browns, or stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end until wilted. You can also make this ahead for meal prep: cook as directed, let it cool, then portion into containers. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to bring the sauce back to a creamy texture. If you’re cooking for kids, keep the seasoning mild and serve red pepper flakes on the side so everyone can adjust the heat at the table.
