This Ground Beef Shells Skillet is a comforting and hearty one-pan dish combining tender pasta shells, flavorful ground beef, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. Parmesan cheese adds richness, while Italian seasoning ties everything together. This recipe is quick, affordable, and perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz medium-sized pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
- ½ medium-sized onion, finely diced
- 2-3 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed
- Two 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¾ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¾ cup of the pasta water, then drain and toss the pasta with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion for 1-2 minutes until translucent.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned (about 7-9 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Add spinach, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, garlic, and seasonings to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and ingredients are well combined.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the reserved pasta water, heavy cream (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring every shell is coated in the rich sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan, basil, or parsley, and serve warm.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per Serving: 593 kcal
Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dish that balances flavor, nutrition, and comfort!
Ground Beef Shells Skillet: A Comforting One-Pan Meal for Every Occasion
The Ground Beef Shells Skillet is an incredibly satisfying and versatile dish that has everything you could want in a meal: tender pasta, hearty ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. With its vibrant flavors, rich textures, and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family. It combines simplicity and sophistication, making it a go-to option for anyone looking to create a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
A Culinary Symphony of Ingredients
The beauty of this dish lies in its harmonious blend of ingredients. Medium-sized pasta shells provide a perfect vessel for capturing the creamy, savory sauce, while lean ground beef adds a robust and meaty foundation. The addition of fresh baby spinach not only enhances the nutritional profile but also introduces a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
The sauce, a creamy tomato-based concoction, ties the dish together with its depth of flavor. Diced tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and tang, while tomato paste intensifies the savory undertones. Italian seasoning—a mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme—infuses the dish with a comforting aroma and flavor reminiscent of traditional Italian cuisine. Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious creaminess, and optional heavy cream elevates the sauce to a velvety consistency.
Why This Recipe Works
- One-Pan Convenience: The Ground Beef Shells Skillet is a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal. Cooking the pasta separately is the only additional step, but once combined with the skillet ingredients, everything melds together seamlessly.
- Balanced Nutrition: This recipe provides a well-rounded meal with carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the beef, and vitamins and minerals from the spinach. The inclusion of Parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream offers a touch of indulgence, while the spinach ensures a dose of greens.
- Customizable to Taste: Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, this recipe adapts easily. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick, or add more garlic for a bolder flavor. It’s also a versatile base for additional ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable pantry staples like pasta, ground beef, canned tomatoes, and cheese, this dish is easy on the wallet without compromising on taste or quality. It’s a great way to feed a family or meal prep for the week without stretching your budget.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: The comforting flavors of this dish are universally appealing, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The creamy sauce and tender pasta shells are easy to eat and enjoy, while the subtle seasoning ensures that it’s flavorful without being overpowering.
Perfect for Any Occasion
The Ground Beef Shells Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that works well for various occasions. Here’s why it’s a great choice:
- Weeknight Dinners: The quick preparation time and one-pan cooking method make it ideal for busy evenings.
- Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Casual Gatherings: Its hearty and flavorful nature makes it a crowd-pleaser for casual dinners with friends or family.
- Potlucks and Parties: Transporting this dish is easy, and its robust flavors make it a standout addition to any spread.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: The pasta should be slightly firm to the bite when boiled, as it will absorb some of the sauce when mixed in. This prevents it from becoming overly soft.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starch in the reserved pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and ensures it clings to the shells beautifully.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Using a large skillet ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld properly without overcrowding.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating Parmesan from a block results in a creamier, richer texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Customize the Vegetables: While spinach is a fantastic choice, you can substitute it with kale, arugula, or any leafy greens you prefer.
- Experiment with Proteins: While ground beef is classic, you can try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a different twist.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish balances indulgence with health-conscious choices. Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Lean ground beef provides essential proteins, B vitamins, and minerals like zinc and selenium. The creamy tomato sauce is not only delicious but also contributes lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes.
The recipe can be easily adapted to suit dietary preferences. For instance, swapping heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or omitting it entirely makes the dish lighter and suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Conclusion
The Ground Beef Shells Skillet is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Its comforting flavors and hearty textures evoke feelings of warmth and togetherness, making it a dish to savor and share. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
By combining wholesome ingredients, a quick cooking process, and a touch of culinary flair, this dish becomes a staple in any kitchen. Its adaptability and crowd-pleasing nature ensure that it will be requested time and time again. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating a meal that is as satisfying to prepare as it is to eat.
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Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
This Ground Beef Shells Skillet is a comforting and hearty one-pan dish combining tender pasta shells, flavorful ground beef, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. Parmesan cheese adds richness, while Italian seasoning ties everything together. This recipe is quick, affordable, and perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.
Ingredients
- 16 oz medium-sized pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
- 1/2 medium-sized onion, finely diced
- 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed
- Two 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¾ cup of the pasta water, then drain and toss the pasta with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onion for 1-2 minutes until translucent.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned (about 7-9 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Add spinach, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, garlic, and seasonings to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and ingredients are well combined.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the reserved pasta water, heavy cream (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring every shell is coated in the rich sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan, basil, or parsley, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 593 kcal