Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion
chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1-pound box medium shell pasta
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
- 1
Turn Instant Pot to saute setting, and wait for the display to turn to HOT
- 2
Add olive oil and onions, and cook until slightly soft
- 3
Add ground beef, break up with spatula, and cook until no longer pink, stirring frequently to make sure it doesn't stick to pot
- 4
Season with sea salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder, and hit CANCEl
- 5
Add shells over ground beef, then add the marinara sauce and water. Do not stir, but press lightly with spoon to ensure pasta is completely covered with sauce and water
- 6
Place lid on Instant Pot, close, and make sure vent is set to SEALING position
- 7
Hit PRESSURE COOK for 5 minutes, or half the cooking time on the box of pasta
- 8
When pressure cooking is done, do a quick release, then remove lid and hit CANCEl to turn cooker off
- 9
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and serve
Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef
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About this Recipe
Looking for a fuss-free, family-friendly dinner that comes together in a flash? This Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef recipe is your answer to classic, comforting flavors, reminiscent of homemade hamburger helper, but with the incredible convenience of your pressure cooker.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines because it’s a true one-pot wonder, cooking everything from the ground beef to the pasta in a single Instant Pot. The pressure cooker infuses all the ingredients with rich flavor, creating a deeply satisfying tomato cream sauce that coats every tender shell. It’s a smart way to get a hearty meal on the table with minimal cleanup.
What you'll experience is a bowl of pure comfort: tender medium shell pasta enveloped in a savory, creamy tomato sauce, studded with perfectly seasoned lean ground beef. The subtle tang from the marinara is beautifully balanced by the richness of the heavy cream and the salty notes of Parmesan cheese. It's a dish designed to please even the pickiest eaters, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that makes it an instant family favorite.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own. While ground beef is classic, you could experiment with ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter touch. To boost the nutrition, consider stirring in a handful of fresh spinach or finely diced mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking. If you don't have Parmesan, cheddar or a Colby Jack blend would offer a different, but equally delicious, cheesy finish.
This Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, delicious meal fast. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.