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One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

This One Pot Cheesy Beef and Shells recipe combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy Velveeta cheese in a comforting and easy-to-make dish. Cooked all in one pot, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that saves time on cleanup and delivers rich, cheesy flavors with a hint of Italian seasoning and spices.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped

Spices and Sauces

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Liquids and Dairy

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Pasta and Cheese

  • 2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
  • 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Onions: Add the ground beef and chopped onions to a Dutch oven or large soup pot. Cook over medium-high heat for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned. Remove and discard excess fat.
  2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the cooked beef mixture. Mix well to coat the beef and onions evenly with the spices.
  3. Add Liquids and Bring to Boil: Pour in the beef broth, heavy whipping cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Increase the heat to high until the mixture comes to a boil.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, add the uncooked medium pasta shells. Reduce heat to medium to maintain a rapid simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 12 to 13 minutes.
  5. Incorporate the Cheese and Season: Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese until it melts completely into the mixture, creating a creamy sauce. Remove the pot from heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken further.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease, but you can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
  • The dish can be made spicier by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
  • Velveeta cheese is key for creamy meltiness, but you can substitute with processed cheddar or a combination of cheeses if preferred.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be tender but still hold shape to avoid mushiness.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/one-pot-cheesy-beef-and-shells-recipe/