Instant Pot Beef and Shells

Easy Instant Pot Beef and Shells recipe! This easy, one-pot recipe turns ground beef and pasta into a creamy, cheesy dinner!

Sometimes simple dinners are the best dinners. I am all for the big dinners, but that’s just not everyday life for me.

With young kids, a job, and all of the other craziness of life, I love easy dinners that I can get on the table quickly – like this Instant Pot beef and shells recipe.

This dinner recipe only takes about 30 minutes to make – start to finish, and it’s made entirely in one pot. So, not only is it easy to make, but it’s also easy to clean up.

All of which make this a great weeknight dinner recipe!

How to make beef and shells in the Instant Pot

Here you'll find the step-by-step directions showing how to make this recipe. The full recipe with ingredients is given below.

Step 1: Press saute. When hot, add the ground beef. Cook, stirring regularly, until browned.

Step 2: Drain and return beef to the inner pot. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

Step 3: Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper, and cook, stirring the entire time, for 30 seconds. Press cancel.

Step 4: Pour in ½ cup of the broth, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the inner pot.

Step 5: Add the pasta. Add in the tomato sauce and remaining broth, pushing the pasta into the sauce.

Step 6: Close and lock the lid. Turn the pressure release valve to sealing.

Step 7: Cook. Carefully turn the pressure release valve to venting to release the pressure.

Step 8: Stir in the cream and half of the shredded cheese. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheese on top of the pasta.

Tips

• Ground beef: I like to use 90% lean ground beef in this recipe. You can also use ground turkey, if you prefer.
• Crushed red pepper: The red pepper just adds a bit of flavor. Feel free to increase it or omit it, depending on your tastes.
• Beef broth: I like to use reduced-sodium beef broth to better control the salt level.
• Cream: If you like a creamier pasta, feel free to increase the amount of cream.
• Cheese: You can use a similar type of cheese in place of the cheddar.

Serving suggestions

I serve this pasta with a simple green salad or with fresh veggies for a quick weeknight dinner.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days when properly stored in the fridge.

I reheat the pasta by warming it in the microwave.

More Instant Pot ground beef recipes!

If you’ve tried this Instant Pot beef and shells recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!

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