One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
Why make this recipe
One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. It combines the heartiness of beef with the comforting creaminess of the sauce and pasta. Since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is easy, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. This dish is not only tasty but also customizable with optional veggies like spinach or mushrooms, making it suitable for everyone in the family.
How to make One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 ounces pasta shells
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: spinach or mushrooms
Directions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce and pasta shells to the pot.
- Pour in enough water to cover the pasta, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and optional spinach or mushrooms, cooking until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve.
How to serve One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
Serve the One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells hot right from the pot. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for an extra touch. You can also sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
How to store One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or more cream to loosen it up as it reheats.
Tips to make One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking.
- To make it healthier, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta if you don’t have shells.
Variation
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can also enhance the dish.
FAQs
Can I freeze One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. It’s best to freeze it without the heavy cream. Once reheated, stir in the cream for the best texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can leave out the beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or simply add more vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.
What can I serve with this recipe?
This dish goes well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty garlic bread to help soak up the creamy sauce.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce and pasta shells to the pot.
- Pour in enough water to cover the pasta, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and optional spinach or mushrooms, cooking until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve.
