One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells
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Are you looking for a tasty, easy meal to make on busy weeknights? One-pot creamy beef and shells is your answer! This dish is ready in just 40 minutes and only needs one pan. You’ll love how the pasta soaks up the flavors of beef, tomato, and spices as it cooks.
This recipe is great for families or meal prep. It makes 4 servings and has 525 calories each. The creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef come together to make a comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty one-pot meal:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
You’ll also want to grab these items:
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 8 ounces medium pasta shells, uncooked
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will make the process much smoother. Don’t forget to let the heavy cream come to room temperature – it helps the sauce come together nicely.
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain extra fat if you want.
Toss in diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until you smell the spices.
Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir. Cook for 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring as you go. Turn up the heat and bring it to a boil.
Add pasta shells and stir. Cover the skillet, lower heat to medium, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick.
Once pasta is tender, stir in heavy cream. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
Mix in the melted cheese and top with fresh parsley. Your one-pot meal is ready to eat!
Possible Substitutes List
You can easily swap out ingredients in this recipe to suit your tastes or what’s in your pantry. Here are some tasty options:
Pasta: Try penne, fusilli, or macaroni instead of shells. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Meat: Ground turkey or chicken work great for a lighter meal. For a veggie version, use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
Cheese: Mix it up with mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of your favorites.
Cream: Want to cut calories? Use half-and-half or mix cream cheese with milk.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth can replace beef broth.
Herbs: Swap fresh parsley for basil or cilantro to change the flavor.
Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra nutrition.
Remember to taste and adjust seasonings when you make swaps. Your new creation might need a little extra salt or spice to be just right.
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
You can make this dish more diabetes-friendly with a few easy swaps. Use lean ground beef or turkey to cut down on fat. Pick whole wheat pasta shells for added fiber. This helps slow down sugar absorption.
Replace the heavy cream with low-fat Greek yogurt. It gives a similar creamy texture with less fat and more protein. Cut the cheese amount in half to reduce calories and fat.
Try these veggie additions:
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
Add them when you cook the onions. They boost nutrients without many carbs.
For the sauce, use no-salt-added beef broth and tomato sauce. This lowers the sodium content. You can also skip the added salt and use herbs for flavor instead.
Measure your portion size carefully. Aim for about 1 cup of the finished dish per serving. Pair it with a big side salad to fill your plate without extra carbs.
Remember to check your blood sugar after eating this meal. It will help you see how these changes affect your levels.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Use extra lean ground beef to avoid draining excess fat. This saves time and keeps more flavor in the dish.
Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This prevents sticking and helps it cook evenly.
For a creamier sauce, use room temperature heavy cream. Cold cream can curdle when added to hot dishes.
Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for variety. Shred your own cheese for better melting.
Make this dish your own by adding veggies. Frozen peas or corn work great – just toss them in with the pasta.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For meal prep, cook the beef and veggie mixture ahead of time. When ready to eat, finish the dish with pasta, broth, and cheese.