Onepot Creamy Beef Shells the Ultimate Comfort Food Shortcut

Recipe Introduction: Sorted!

Fancy a proper comforting dinner, but can’t be arsed with all the washing up? I hear you! That’s why One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is an absolute winner in my book.

It's like a hug in a bowl, honestly.

This Creamy Beef and Shells recipe is dead simple. It's a brilliant twist on the classic, and a huge step up from that Hamburger Helper Recipe Homemade stuff we might've had growing up.

Forget multiple pots and pans, this is all done in one ! Less faff, more flavour.

One-Pot Wonder: The Story Behind the Beef

The beauty of a dish like Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake is its origins. Though inspired by American classics, there's a universal appeal to Comfort Food Recipes like this.

It's the kind of meal families have enjoyed for generations, adapted to suit different tastes and pantries. It’s proper grub for a chilly evening! It is a great Creamy Beef Pasta dish.

This Beef and Shells recipe is dead easy. It should only take about 35 minutes from start to finish. You'll get about 6 servings, perfect for a family meal or leftovers for lunch.

Why You'll Bloody Love This

Let's face it, we could all do with a bit more of a balanced diet. This recipe can be tweaked to be healthier without sacrificing flavour.

It's also absolutely perfect for those crazy Easy Weeknight Dinners when you're juggling work, kids, and everything else. What makes this particularly special is that you likely have all ingredients in your store cupboard/pantry already.

Seriously, this recipe is a game changer. The One-Pot Pasta Recipes approach means less cleaning, and the flavour is spot on.

So, are you ready to make a hearty and delicious dish? Next up, we'll get into the ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment for Bangin' One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells

Alright, love! Let's chat about what you'll need to whip up this incredible creamy beef and shells dish. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

This is a beef and shells recipe, but not just any beef and shells recipe. We're talking One-Pot Pasta Recipes here, minimizing the washing up, win-win! You'll be amazed how quick this easy weeknight dinners recipe is.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Here's what you need. No faffing about!

• Ground Beef: 1 pound (454g) . Go for 80/20 lean. A little fat equals flavour, trust me. I made it with 90/10 before and it was bit dry, boo.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g). Yellow or white, your choice.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Jarred is fine in a pinch.
• Dry Pasta Shells: 1 pound (454g) , medium sized. Can't find shells? Don't stress, use rotini or elbows.
• Beef Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Low sodium is best.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce / 411g) can , undrained. Don't drain 'em! We want that juice.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds a rich tomatoey depth.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . A premix is easiest.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml) , or to taste. Seasoning is key, bruv.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) , or to taste.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup (120ml) . This is where the creaminess comes in!
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups (170g) , shredded. Sharp or medium cheddar. Grate it yourself for the best melt.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped. For garnish, optional.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

For this amazing Creamy Beef Pasta , a dash of Italian seasoning is the heart of the flavoring.. A pinch of red pepper flakes is wicked too! It takes it to another level.

Not necessary if you don't love heat. Honestly, a little garlic powder can boost the flavour too. My nan would always say, trust your tastebuds! She would of been so proud of this comfort food recipes .

Or even a cheesy beef pasta bake version.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

No need for fancy gear! Think of this hamburger helper recipe homemade , but elevated.

• A large pot or Dutch oven ( at least 6-quart capacity ). This is your one-pot creamy beef and shells haven!
• Wooden spoon or spatula.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cheese grater. Pre-shredded is okay, but fresh is better for melting, you know?

That's it! Let's get cooking, shall we?

Cooking Method

Alright, let's dive into making One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells ! Honestly, this is my go-to when I need something quick and comforting.

Think of it as a lazy Sunday dinner, even if it's a Tuesday! It’s proper comfort food, this creamy beef pasta .

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First, it's all about the mise en place , innit? Chop your one medium onion , mince two cloves of garlic , and shred one and a half cups of cheddar cheese .

This essential mise en place saves you a load of time later. Honestly, prepping first makes cooking so much smoother.

For time saving organization , I like to measure out my spices beforehand. A teaspoon of Italian seasoning , a teaspoon of salt , and a half teaspoon of black pepper , all in one little bowl.

Easy peasy!

step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!

1. Brown one pound of ground beef in your large pot. Drain that extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy dinner!
2. Sauté the chopped onion until it's softened, about 3- 5 minutes . Then, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, roughly 1 minute .
3. Stir in one pound of dry pasta shells, four cups of beef broth, one can of diced tomatoes, two tablespoons of tomato paste, and the spices.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15- 20 minutes . Make sure the pasta is cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and stir in one-half cup of heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. This makes it Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake . Melt that cheese properly!
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Ta-dah! Beef And Shells is ready.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Grub!

My nan always said, never overcook the pasta. Check for doneness around 15 minutes . You want it al dente !

Want to avoid the extra fat? Use lean ground beef. This Hamburger Helper Recipe Homemade style dish is also healthier this way.

To make-ahead, cook up to the point of adding cream and cheese. Cool, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat, then stir in the cream and cheese.

Sorted! It’s one of the Easy Weeknight Dinners for sure. This Creamy Beef Shells will be the perfect dish to make!

Recipe Notes for Your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells Masterpiece

Right, let's talk shop about this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells recipe. Honestly, it's designed to be a doddle, but a few extra pointers never hurt, eh? Think of these as my little secrets for taking it from good to absolutely brilliant.

It really is the ultimate comfort food.

Ace Serving Suggestions

Okay, so you've nailed the Creamy Beef Shells . Now, how do you make it look fancy? Plating is key. A sprinkle of fresh parsley is all it takes to brighten things up.

For a proper family meal, serve it straight from the pot that's the charm of One-Pot Pasta Recipes , innit?

On the side, a simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely. Or, if you're feeling naughty, some garlic bread for mopping up that glorious sauce.

A glass of something cold like milk or iced tea works a treat too.

Storage Secrets for Leftover Glory

So, you've made a mega batch of Beef and Shells and have leftovers? No worries, we've all been there. For the fridge, pop it in an airtight container.

It'll be grand for up to 3 days .

Freezing is also an option. Divide it into portions and freeze for up to 2 months . When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Microwave or heat on the hob. Job's a good'un!

Twists and Turns: Recipe Variations

Fancy a bit of a change? You could always chuck in some chopped veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a Veggie Boost .

Or, if you're feeling brave, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Got dietary needs? Swap the heavy cream for a plant based version and use dairy-free cheese. Sorted! You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

These are great Easy Weeknight Dinners

A Spot of Nutrition

Let's be real: this isn't health food. But it's proper soul food! Each serving racks up about 450 calories. It's got protein, carbs, and a bit of fat.

But hey, everything in moderation, right? The protein from the beef keeps you full and the cheese provides calcium. Consider using leaner beef to minimize fat.

Honestly, One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is all about comfort and ease. So, go on, give it a whirl! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

You've got this! It's way better than any Hamburger Helper Recipe Homemade ! I promise you that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta for this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells recipe?

Absolutely! While shells are traditional, you can easily substitute them with other small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require slightly different simmering times.

Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes and remember, you want it al dente.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot while it's simmering?

Sticking is a common concern, but easily avoided! The key is to stir the One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells mixture occasionally, especially during the first half of the simmering time. This helps distribute the pasta evenly and prevents it from clumping together and sticking.

Also, ensure you're using a pot with a heavy bottom to distribute heat evenly, like a good Dutch oven proper kit is half the battle!

Can I make this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells recipe ahead of time?

You can indeed! However, be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so it might become a bit drier. To combat this, you can add a splash of beef broth or milk when reheating to restore the creamy consistency. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days ideal for meal prep!

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Certainly! You can use lean or extra lean ground beef to reduce the fat content. Swapping heavy cream for half and-half or even evaporated milk will also cut down on fat while maintaining creaminess. Loading up on veggies, like adding bell peppers or spinach, is another great way to boost the nutritional value.

And don't be shy with the herbs and spices!

What's the best way to store leftovers?

Leftovers of this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells recipe should be cooled completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk if it seems dry.

Avoid leaving the dish out at room temperature for extended periods to prevent bacterial growth - nobody wants a dodgy tummy!

Can I freeze One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells?

While technically you can, freezing and thawing can sometimes alter the texture of the pasta and sauce, making it a bit mushy or grainy. If you do freeze it, make sure to cool it completely first and use a freezer safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For best results, consuming it fresh is recommended plus, who can resist a piping hot bowl straight from the pot?