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Instant Pot Creamy Shells and Beef

A quick and easy one-pot meal featuring tender beef, creamy cheese, and delicious pasta shells cooked in the Instant Pot.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Can use lean or regular ground beef
  • 8 oz shell pasta
  • 1 can diced tomatoes Petite diced recommended
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese For creaminess
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Add at the end for melty texture
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
Optional Ingredients
  • 1 cup baby spinach Can be added for nutrition
  • 1 cup peas or carrots, chopped For added veggies

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and shell pasta into the pot. Do not stir.
Cooking
  1. Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes.
  2. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a careful quick release.
Finishing Touches
  1. Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar until well combined and melted.
  2. If using, add baby spinach, peas, or carrots and stir until heated through.

Notes

For best results, avoid stirring before cooking to prevent pasta clumping. You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream if desired. Leftovers can be frozen.