Name: Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
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)

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

Units Scale

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)

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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