Creamy Beef And Shells Recipe | Instant Pot Beef And Pasta

Why You'll Love This Perfect Pasta Dish

• Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes thanks to the Instant Pot.
• Easy. Just sauté, cook, and stir for a hassle-free dinner.
• Comforting. Robust, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely indulgent.
• Family-Friendly. A crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

With the Instant Pot’s magic, this dish combines the richness of a creamy beef sauce with the satisfaction of pasta shells, making it a go-to meal for busy families and cozy nights in.

Instant Pot Creamy Beef and Shells is a delightful meal that marries the savory flavors of ground beef with the creamy texture of a cheese sauce and tender pasta.

The result is a dish that is not only comforting and delicious but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Ground Beef- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter while still providing rich flavor.
• Shell Pasta- Medium shell pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Onion and Garlic- Essential for building flavor.
• Beef Broth- Adds depth and moisture to the dish.
• Heavy Cream- Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
• Tomato Sauce- Works as the base of the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes- Adds texture and a burst of flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese- For a cheesy, comforting finish.
• Salt and Pepper- To taste, for seasoning.
• Olive Oil- Used for sautéing the beef and vegetables.

1. Sauté the Beef. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function and add olive oil. Once hot, add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, breaking up the beef as it cooks.
2. Add Pasta and Broth. Stir in the shell pasta, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce. After the cooking time is up, perform a quick release. Open the lid and stir in heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
4. Season and Serve. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or additional cheese if desired.

Tips And Tricks

Making Creamy Beef and Shells in the Instant Pot can be straightforward, but a few tips and tricks can help you achieve the best possible results:

• Flavor Boost. Browning the ground beef well before adding the other ingredients enhances the flavor of the entire dish. Be sure to break up the beef into small crumbles as it cooks, and allow it to brown rather than just steam.
• Fresh Cheese. For the creamiest sauce, use freshly grated cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less smooth.
• Creamy Sauce. After pressure cooking, turn off the Instant Pot before adding the cream cheese and shredded cheese. Stir them in gradually to ensure they melt smoothly into the sauce without curdling.

Variations

Here are some delicious variations to try with your Creamy Beef and Shells recipe:

• Kick It Up- Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef while browning for a spicy kick. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños for an extra level of heat.
• White Sauce- Omit the can of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to make it a twist on Alfredo. You can also stir in fresh basil or oregano at the end.
• Bacon Makes It Better- Cook and crumble some bacon, then stir it into the dish after pressure cooking. The smoky, crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor.

This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Garlic Bread- Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables- Add a healthy, crunchy contrast.
• Salad- Fresh and light to balance the richness of the meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze creamy beef and shells! Place the cooled leftovers in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

More Incredible Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken
• Beef Barbacoa
• Instant Pot Chicken And Rice
• Caldo de Res
• Creamy Garlic Chicken

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