One-Pan Creamy Garlic Beef & Shells

introduction

If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, One-Pan Creamy Garlic Beef & Shells is a perfect choice. This dish brings together lean ground beef, creamy sauce, and pasta shells all cooked in one pan, making it easy to prepare and clean up. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is both comforting and delicious.

why make this recipe

One-Pan Creamy Garlic Beef & Shells is not just easy to make, but it also offers a variety of flavors that everyone in the family will love. The combination of savory beef, garlic, and creamy sauce creates a warm and inviting meal. Plus, the convenience of cooking everything in one pan saves you time and effort. If you enjoy creamy dishes, you might also want to try another tasty option, such as Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta.

how to make One-Pan Creamy Garlic Beef & Shells

Start by gathering your ingredients. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients :

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 medium (110g) yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves (20g) garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5g) cracked black pepper
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (200g) medium pasta shells
• 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
• 1 cup (115g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions :

1. Heat the olive oil in a 12 inch deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook without stirring too often until the beef is a deep brown color and crispy. This creates the flavor base.
3. Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
4. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, stirring for about 60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, using a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan to release the browned bits. Stir in the smoked paprika and dried oregano.
6. Add the dry pasta shells to the mixture. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
7. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has thickened. This also helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
8. Remove the pan from the heat completely.
9. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently until melted and smooth.
10. Finally, stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice. Adding these at the end keeps the flavors fresh.

how to serve One-Pan Creamy Garlic Beef & Shells

Serve this dish warm straight from the pan. You can garnish it with more parsley or some extra cheddar cheese if desired. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.

how to store One-Pan Creamy Garlic Beef & Shells

To store leftovers, let the dish cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or cream to help loosen the sauce.

tips to make One-Pan Creamy Garlic Beef & Shells

• For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. They can be cooked along with the onion.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by modifying the amount of beef broth and cream.
• If you like it spicier, add some red pepper flakes to the garlic or include diced jalapeños.

variation

You can easily customize this dish by using different types of pasta or by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead, but it’s best to add the cheese right before serving for the creamiest texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

One-Pan Creamy Garlic Beef & Shells

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

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Description

A simple yet satisfying one-pan meal with lean ground beef, creamy sauce, and pasta shells.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 medium (110g) yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves (20g) garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5g) cracked black pepper
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (200g) medium pasta shells
• 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
• 1 cup (115g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and crispy.
3. Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, stirring until fragrant.
5. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan.
6. Stir in the smoked paprika and dried oregano.
7. Add the dry pasta shells and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and cover.
8. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid has thickened.
9. Remove from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
10. Stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice before serving.

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Notes

For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by modifying the amount of beef broth and cream.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg