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One-Pan Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef and Shells

A spoonful of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta with Creamy Sauce being lifted, showing long, gooey cheese pulls.

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Make this rich, creamy, and cheesy ground beef pasta dish entirely in one pan for easy cleanup. This recipe delivers a satisfying comfort meal quickly.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small shells
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the dry pasta to the skillet. Stir well to submerge the pasta in the liquid.
  6. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.
  8. Add the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce when you add the broth.
  • You can substitute half-and-half for the milk if you prefer a slightly richer sauce base.
  • Stir the sauce frequently during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the cheese from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pan.

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