Creamy One-Pot Shells and Beef is an easy ground beef and pasta dinner 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!
This creamy beef and shells is a reader favorite, and it’s a personal favorite, too! I’ve updated the original post with newer photos and cooking tips to make this easy dinner even easier!
Yes, it’s me again with another easy 30 minute one-pot dinner for ya. I seem to be on roll with easy ground beef dinners 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.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Shells in One Pot
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 ground beef and an onion in my red Dutch oven. If you have a lot of grease and need to drain it, do that first, and then season the beef.
Use Lean Ground Beef
I recommend using lean ground beef so that there’s no need to drain it. So, add your seasonings to the meat, and cook until no longer pink.
Next, add your pasta shells, marinara sauce and water. I used medium shells this time, but you could use mini penne, bow ties or pretty much whatever you have on hand.
When you add the water, it will be very soupy. But, as the pasta cooks, it will absorb all of that liquid, so don’t panic!
Cover the pot, until it comes to a boil, then remove the lid, stir and keep an eye on it. You’ll need to stir every so often so that the pasta doesn’t stick.
When the liquid starts to reduce, and the pasta shells are almost done, stir in your heavy cream. Then, stir in the Parmesan cheese.
This delicious creamy shells and beef will continue to thicken as it cools, so if it seems a little thin, don’t worry.
Believe me, I’ve been making creamy beef and shells for 4 years now, and it turns out perfect every time!
You can see how rich and creamy the pasta is. The shells hold that creamy tomato sauce and ground beef so that every bite is filled with amazing flavor!
As soon as the pasta shells are al dente, you’re ready to eat! You can top it with more Parmesan and fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Make this One Pot Dinner even Easier
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 creamy shells and beef in the Instant Pot, here’s the recipe. It’s even easier!
More Easy One Pot Pasta Recipes
- One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
- One Pot Chicken Alfredo
- One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Tortellini
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Creamy One-Pot Shells and Beef Recipe
Creamy One-Pot Shells and Beef
Equipment
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 marinara sauce, pasta sauce, 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 bring to a boil, then remove lid, and cook for about 10 minutes or until pasta starts to soften
- 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
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe was originally published in May 2016 and updated for pictures and cooking tips in Feb 2020.
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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!
Jamie says
Hi! Confused about references to marinara sauce, when it’s not listed in recipe.
Dee says
You can use any pasta sauce. Some people say tomato sauce instead of marinara. I’ll make a note of that in the recipe.:)
Mikayla says
I have made this many times, but I sub the ground beef for Italian sausage. If I am really trying to make dinner fast, I do the noodles separately so I can have the sausage going and the noodles at the same time, then omit the water.
Dee says
Yum — I make it with sausage sometimes, as well! Love that you found a way to cook it even faster.
Michelle says
I made this last night and my picky toddler even loved it! Thanks – this is now going in our regular rotation. Love having another ground beef meal in my arsenal.
Dee says
I’m so happy this was a hit with your family! Thanks, Michelle!
James says
Love this one. We also use the Instant Pot version as well. Supper easy and a kid favorite too.
Dee says
So glad you like both versions, James. Thanks!
Desiree says
Very yummy! My son loved it! Had to make it dairy free so I used almond milk and some nutritional yeast and it turned out perfect! Thank you for sharing!!!
Dee says
Thanks, Desiree. Glad you were able to adapt the recipe for your son! 🙂
Maia K says
I 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
Thank you so much! It’s one of our very favorite IP dinners. 🙂
Lorraine Hitch says
Awesome. 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
Thanks, Lorraine. This is one of our favorite dinners, too!
Brian says
Made 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
Awesome! I’m so glad you liked it, Brian. 🙂
Delia D nilsen says
Made 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
I love the addition of chili flakes and asparagus! I’ll have to try that. 🙂
Carol says
The picture shows some green in the dish. Is that fresh basil or spinach?
Dee says
It’s actually chopped parsley, which is totally optional, but it adds a little color. 🙂
Annette says
I 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
That’s wonderful, Annette! I’m happy to hear that your family liked it!
Sue says
I don’t see anywhere that you talk about draining the grease from the beef. Doesn’t this make it oily?
Dee says
Hi 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.
Cheree says
Is the Italian seasoning mix the salad dressing one or dried herb seasoning? Sounds delicious!!
Dee says
Hi, Cheree. It’s just a mix of dried herbs that you can buy from any grocery store.
Tonia says
Just 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
Thanks so much, Tonia. I’m glad you liked it! I made it the other day with penne since that’s what I had, too! 🙂
Connie says
This is awesome!! I added mushrooms and it is delicious
Dee says
I’m so glad you liked it — thanks! I love the idea of mushrooms, too. 🙂
sungrownkitchen.com says
Our family really liked this one!!–meryl
Dee says
Thanks for letting me know, Meryl I’m happy to hear that!
Miz Helen says
Congratulations!
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
Chelc | Inside the Fox Den says
Wow, 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
Thanks, Chelc! Macaroni would work well too. 🙂
Angie | Big Bears Wife says
We 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
Thanks, Angie. I honestly don’t know what I would do without one-pot meals!
Nutmeg Nanny says
This one pot dish looks fabulous! Love all that creamy goodness!
Dee says
Thanks so much! We just had it again the other day. 🙂
Louise Williams says
I 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
Thanks so much, Louise. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! 🙂
Susan says
This 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
Thanks so much, Susan. I would say whatever works best!
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
Love those large shells – creamy and dreamy comfort food!
Dee says
Thanks, Melanie. The shells are perfect for holding in the sauce!
Maris (In Good Taste) says
Sounds like a perfect winter meal!
Susannah // Feast + West says
Love a good one-pot meal! This one looks like major comfort food. 🙂
Dee says
Even though it’s not baked or covered in cheese, I think it still is comfort food! 🙂
Krista says
One-pot meals are the best! Easy to make and easy cleanup!
Dee says
Definitely! These meals are really my sanity-savers some days. 🙂
Bintu | Recipes from a Pantry says
One pot meals are my fave and this reminds me of Hamburger Helper which is one of my favorite guilty pleasures 🙂
Dee says
I grew up on Hamburger Helper, so I try to make the same thing without the extra stuff added. 🙂
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
I love one-pot meals! This looks so comforting!
Dee says
Thanks! I think comfort food is appropriate all year round. 🙂