Easy Creamy One Pot Beef and Shells Recipe
This Easy Creamy One Pot Beef and Shells recipe combines ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a rich creamy tomato sauce all cooked together in one pot for a convenient, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The dish features savory Italian seasonings, a smooth heavy cream finish, and a garnish of fresh parsley to brighten every bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cups water (or substitute beef broth for more flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz medium pasta shells (uncooked)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and water (or beef broth). Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the uncooked pasta shells. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and create a creamy consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Broth option: Water works great, but beef broth will deepen the flavor.
- Veggie boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Make-ahead: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Slightly undercook the pasta before freezing so it reheats better.
Keywords: one pot dinner, creamy pasta, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight meal, Italian seasoning, pasta shells, creamy marinara, quick dinner