One Pot Cheesy Beef and Pasta
A cozy, creamy one-pot meal featuring ground beef and pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef 85/15 preferred for flavor.
- 8 oz Shell pasta Medium shells hold onto sauce well.
- 1 medium Onion, chopped Optional but recommended.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Optional but recommended.
- 2 cups Beef broth For cooking pasta and richer taste.
- 14.5 oz Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce Adds tang and color.
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Salt To taste.
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper To taste.
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Creaminess
- 4 oz Cream cheese Adds extra creaminess.
- 1 cup Shredded cheese (cheddar or blend) Freshly shredded preferred.
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the beef: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess grease but leave a little for flavor.
- Add onion and garlic: Toss in chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in liquids and seasonings: Add beef broth, crushed tomatoes or sauce, and seasonings. Scrape the bottom of the pot.
- Add the pasta: Pour in the shell pasta and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cover. Cook stirring every few minutes until pasta is tender, adding more broth or water if it looks dry.
- Make it cheesy: Turn heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted. Add shredded cheese gradually, stirring until creamy and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Let the pasta rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to thicken sauce. Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth to revive creaminess.