One-Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells

 

A comforting and hearty  pasta dish where tender shells are smothered in a rich, savory  meat sauce and topped with melted  cheese. It’s a simple, family-friendly meal that comes together in one pot for easy cleanup.

Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 12 oz (about 3 cups) medium pasta shells

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for a richer sauce)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  

  Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

  2. Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.

  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

  6. Add  Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

  Tips

  • Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add diced bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions.

  • Spice it Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.

  • Creamy Variation: For a creamier sauce, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last few minutes of simmering.