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Creamy Beef and Cheddar One Pan Pasta

Creamy Beef and Cheddar Pasta

This creamy beef and cheddar one pan pasta is an easy, comforting dinner made with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. Ground beef, pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy sauce cook together in one pan for a cozy, filling meal the whole family loves. It’s similar to a homemade hamburger helper, but made completely from scratch with real ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound medium pasta shells
  • 4 ounces freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Method
 

  1. In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Saute for a few minutes until the onion softens.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until no longer pink.
  5. Once the beef is cooked through,add the tomato paste. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavor.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add another small pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the uncooked pasta shells. Let the pan simmer uncovered for 15 to 17 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Notes

A cozy, one-pan pasta dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers.