Imagine a dish that combines the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ with the creamy, cheesy goodness of pasta - all prepared in just one pot! This One Pot Cheddar BBQ Shells Beef is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Perfect for busy families, lazy cooks, and anyone who loves a delicious meal without the mountain of dishes afterward, this recipe is a game-changer that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the beef is cooking, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pot. Return the pot to the heat and add the 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of BBQ sauce to the cooked beef.
- Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, add the 2 cups of elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Allow the macaroni to cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly incorporated into the dish.
- Give the dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the One Pot Cheddar BBQ Shells Beef hot, garnished with extra cheddar cheese or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce to elevate the overall flavor of the dish. A slightly tangy or smoky sauce works best.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a minced garlic clove or diced onions when browning the ground beef.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushy texture. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- If the dish seems too dry, you can add a little extra beef broth during cooking to maintain moisture.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the mixture.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor, rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
