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Creamy Shells and Beef in the Instant Pot Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef is a comforting and easy dinner recipe featuring tender pasta shells and ground beef cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and cream cheese, this creamy and cheesy dish is perfect for a weeknight meal made quickly in the Instant Pot.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow or sweet onion, diced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 (16-ounce) box medium pasta shells, uncooked
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar pasta sauce
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks and softened

Instructions

  1. Saute Onions: Add olive oil to the inner pot of an Instant Pot and turn on the “Saute” mode. Add the diced onion and cook until it begins to soften, which usually takes a few minutes.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and crumble it with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink. Then turn the Instant Pot off.
  3. Season the Mixture: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and tomato paste thoroughly into the cooked beef and onions.
  4. Add Pasta Shells: Pour the uncooked medium pasta shells over the ground beef mixture evenly.
  5. Add Sauce and Water: Pour the jar of pasta sauce and 3 cups of water on top of the pasta shells. Do not stir. Instead, press the shells gently down into the liquid with the back of a spoon to ensure they are submerged.
  6. Pressure Cook: Place the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to the “sealing” position. Select the Pressure Cook setting on HIGH and set the timer for 5 minutes.
  7. Release Pressure and Finish: Perform a manual pressure release once the cooking time is complete. When the pin drops, carefully remove the lid. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
  • Pressing the pasta shells into the liquid ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
  • For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes slightly.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier melting and integration into the sauce.
  • Manual pressure release after cooking avoids overcooking the pasta.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/creamy-shells-and-beef-in-the-instant-pot-recipe/