Name: One-Pot Creamy Beef & Shells: Comfort Food Made Easy
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1½ lbs (680g) ground beef (85/15); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells; 3 cups beef broth; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried basil; Salt & black pepper to taste; ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil
1½ lbs (680g) ground beef (85/15)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
3 cups beef broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
Salt & black pepper to taste
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley

Instructions

Brown beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add ground beef and onion; cook 5–6 min until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté aromatics: Stir in garlic; cook 30 sec until fragrant.
Add pasta & liquids: Stir in dry pasta shells, beef broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Finish: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Cook 1–2 more minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!

💡 Tip: If mixture gets too thick before pasta is done, add a splash of broth or water.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 6):