Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells is the ultimate comfort food—savory, creamy, cheesy, and all made in a single pot for easy cleanup. With tender pasta shells, hearty ground beef, and a rich cheese sauce, it’s a family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies every time.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefonion (diced)garlic (minced)salt and pepperpaprikaItalian seasoningtomato pastebeef brothmilkuncooked pasta shellscheddar cheese (shredded)cream cheeseparsley (for garnish)

directions

In a large pot or deep skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Mix in tomato paste and stir well to coat the meat.

Pour in beef broth and milk, then add uncooked pasta shells. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Stir in shredded cheddar and cream cheese until melted and creamy.

Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add chopped spinach or peas for extra veggies.

Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Try a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.

Make it creamier with a splash of heavy cream.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, elbows, rotini, or penne all work well—adjust cooking time as needed.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

No, but it adds creaminess. You can substitute with extra cheddar or a little heavy cream.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can easily add spice to taste.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it reheats well and makes great leftovers for lunch or meal prep.

What’s the best cheese for melting?

Freshly shredded cheddar melts best and gives a smooth, creamy texture.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells is a hearty, satisfying dish that brings all the flavor of a classic comfort meal with minimal fuss and cleanup. Perfect for busy nights or when you just want something cozy and cheesy on the table fast.