Creamy One-Pot Shells and Beef is an easy pasta dish that is cooked in a tomato cream sauce and is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s easy to make, easy to clean and kid approved!
Yes, it’s me again with another easy 30 minute one-pot dinner for ya. I seem to be on roll with these lately, but the end of the school year is always super busy, and these quick and easy meals are pretty much necessary for our survival.
And today, I was out all day chaperoning a gaggle of giggling girls– my own included — on a school field trip. Actually, as field trips go, it wasn’t bad at all — I’ve seen a lot worse.
But by the end of the day, my energy level was practically down to zero, and cooking dinner was the last thing on my mind. I even forgot that I had asked the Hubs to pick up some fresh ground beef on his way home.
That’s what’s so great about one dish meals. You don’t need to put a lot of time or effort into dinner, but everyone is fed and happy, and you feel like Super Mom, even when you’re exhausted.
My family loves pasta, but I wanted to try something a little bit different this time, so I made a creamy tomato sauce instead of the usual red sauce. Basically, I cooked the beef and pasta, added some tomato sauce and, then I added a little cream at the end. Easy peasy.
I used medium shells this time, but you could use mini penne, bow ties or pretty much whatever you have on hand.
You could make this even easier by using dried onions or garlic powder — it’s up to you. If I’m really in a rush, I’ll do this, but I usually enjoy the chopping process.
It actually relaxes me. Or sometimes, I’ll just ask the Hubs or one of my older kids to help!
What really saves time is having chopped onions waiting in the freezer. If I cut a whole onion, I’ll try to freeze half for later, and eventually, I’ll have a nice stash of onions when I need them!
If you want to make shells and beef in the Instant Pot, here’s the recipe. It’s even easier!
How to Make Creamy One-Pot Shells and Beef
Creamy One-Pot Shells and Beef
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh extra lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow or white onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups medium shells uncooked (about 1/2 of a 1 pound box)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- In a large pot or skillet, saute the onions in olive oil until soft
- Add ground beef, and cook until brown
- Add the garlic, salt and pepper
- Stir in the tomato sauce, pasta and water
- Cover and cook on high for about 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente (mostly cooked)
- Add the Italian seasoning, reduce heat to medium low, and stir in the cream
- Cook on low heat until sauce begins to thicken
- Add the Parmesan cheese, and serve
Video
Nutrition
I’m happy to report that the whole family loved this creamy one-pot shells and beef. I served a simple salad on the side, which was just enough to make dinner complete.
And after dinner was over, I went and put my feet up for the rest of the evening!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
May 20, 2016 at 9:53 amI love one-pot meals! This looks so comforting!
Dee says
May 20, 2016 at 11:58 amThanks! I think comfort food is appropriate all year round. 🙂
Bintu | Recipes from a Pantry says
May 20, 2016 at 10:32 amOne pot meals are my fave and this reminds me of Hamburger Helper which is one of my favorite guilty pleasures 🙂
Dee says
May 20, 2016 at 12:00 pmI grew up on Hamburger Helper, so I try to make the same thing without the extra stuff added. 🙂
Krista says
May 20, 2016 at 11:07 amOne-pot meals are the best! Easy to make and easy cleanup!
Dee says
May 20, 2016 at 12:01 pmDefinitely! These meals are really my sanity-savers some days. 🙂
Susannah // Feast + West says
May 20, 2016 at 9:03 pmLove a good one-pot meal! This one looks like major comfort food. 🙂
Dee says
May 20, 2016 at 10:37 pmEven though it’s not baked or covered in cheese, I think it still is comfort food! 🙂
Maris (In Good Taste) says
May 21, 2016 at 4:54 pmSounds like a perfect winter meal!
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
May 22, 2016 at 10:57 amLove those large shells – creamy and dreamy comfort food!
Dee says
May 23, 2016 at 1:27 amThanks, Melanie. The shells are perfect for holding in the sauce!
Susan says
May 22, 2016 at 6:00 pmThis looks so good! I think I will try this maybe with a beef substitute as we love beef but are tying to cut back. Great Pictures also.
Dee says
May 23, 2016 at 1:26 amThanks so much, Susan. I would say whatever works best!
Louise Williams says
May 23, 2016 at 5:26 amI absolutely loved this post! Sunday is the day to innovate at lunch (since I don’t have any time for it during the week). Why not try this simple, fast and delicious recipe? Thanks for sharing!
Dee says
May 23, 2016 at 7:21 amThanks so much, Louise. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! 🙂
Nutmeg Nanny says
May 24, 2016 at 9:00 amThis one pot dish looks fabulous! Love all that creamy goodness!
Dee says
May 24, 2016 at 11:28 pmThanks so much! We just had it again the other day. 🙂
Angie | Big Bears Wife says
May 24, 2016 at 10:16 amWe would totally be in love with this for dinner. I love easy 30 minute meals like this. I need dinner ideas like this to make after working at the office all day!
Dee says
May 24, 2016 at 11:29 pmThanks, Angie. I honestly don’t know what I would do without one-pot meals!
Chelc | Inside the Fox Den says
May 25, 2016 at 6:38 amWow, this sounds amazing! I don’t have shells at home, but I do have elbow macaroni and I’m definitely going to try this soon!
Dee says
May 25, 2016 at 10:02 amThanks, Chelc! Macaroni would work well too. 🙂
Miz Helen says
May 28, 2016 at 10:48 amCongratulations!
Your recipe is in the TOP TEN features for this week on Full Plate Thursday. Enjoy your new Red Plate and your weekend!
Miz Helen
sungrownkitchen.com says
July 13, 2016 at 3:08 pmOur family really liked this one!!–meryl
Dee says
July 13, 2016 at 11:48 pmThanks for letting me know, Meryl I’m happy to hear that!
Connie says
March 1, 2017 at 4:11 pmThis is awesome!! I added mushrooms and it is delicious
Dee says
March 4, 2017 at 9:41 pmI’m so glad you liked it — thanks! I love the idea of mushrooms, too. 🙂
Tonia says
March 12, 2017 at 11:05 amJust wanted to take a moment to let you know that I made this last night, and we really enjoyed it! Much better than a meal out of a box! I used penne pasta since I didn’t have any shells. The half & half gave it that extra special creamy taste that everyone loves. Thanks for the recipe; I know it will be on my table again!
Dee says
March 12, 2017 at 5:11 pmThanks so much, Tonia. I’m glad you liked it! I made it the other day with penne since that’s what I had, too! 🙂
Cheree says
April 18, 2017 at 7:46 amIs the Italian seasoning mix the salad dressing one or dried herb seasoning? Sounds delicious!!
Dee says
April 18, 2017 at 10:14 pmHi, Cheree. It’s just a mix of dried herbs that you can buy from any grocery store.
Sue says
June 12, 2017 at 1:21 pmI don’t see anywhere that you talk about draining the grease from the beef. Doesn’t this make it oily?
Dee says
June 12, 2017 at 2:53 pmHi Sue. I use extra lean beef for one pot meals just so that I don’t have to drain the fat. If you use beef with a higher fat content, I would definitely drain the excess fat.
Annette says
January 24, 2018 at 7:14 pmI made this tonight and it was a winner! I was a bit skeptical of adding the water and cooking the pasta with everything else, but it worked perfectly. Even my picky eater liked it…it’s going in the regular rotation.
Dee says
January 24, 2018 at 11:17 pmThat’s wonderful, Annette! I’m happy to hear that your family liked it!
Carol says
April 25, 2018 at 8:11 amThe picture shows some green in the dish. Is that fresh basil or spinach?
Dee says
April 25, 2018 at 2:21 pmIt’s actually chopped parsley, which is totally optional, but it adds a little color. 🙂
Delia D nilsen says
June 27, 2018 at 5:45 pmMade this meal. So simple and yummy. I added chopped asparagus and a pinch of chili flake. oh and I used elbow noodles, because that is what I had on hand. thank you.
Dee says
June 28, 2018 at 1:34 amI love the addition of chili flakes and asparagus! I’ll have to try that. 🙂
Brian says
September 17, 2018 at 2:47 pmMade this for dinner tonight because I needed to use up some heavy cream. I substituted elbow macaroni and a can of rotel. Very good! will definitely make again
Dee says
September 18, 2018 at 9:31 amAwesome! I’m so glad you liked it, Brian. 🙂
Lorraine Hitch says
February 12, 2019 at 7:15 amAwesome. Was looking for quick easy recipe for ground beef where I had all ingredients on hand. Who knew it would turn into my new go-to!!! Thanks!
Dee says
February 12, 2019 at 2:25 pmThanks, Lorraine. This is one of our favorite dinners, too!
Maia K says
April 23, 2019 at 9:22 pmI was sceptical but this recipe is so delicious that it tastes like it takes more work than it does! As a new mom I’m excited to add this recipe as a quick and easy dish to put arsenal. My husband loved it, too! Thanks!
Dee says
April 24, 2019 at 8:29 amThank you so much! It’s one of our very favorite IP dinners. 🙂