Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet Recipe: Rustic Comfort in One Pan

Crafting a comforting ground beef shells skillet that promises warmth and satisfaction couldn’t be easier.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions for hungry families seeking delicious meals.

Cheese melts perfectly into tender pasta shells, creating a hearty dish everyone loves.

Simple ingredients combine magically in one pan, reducing cleanup time dramatically.

Lean ground beef provides robust protein while pasta catches every delectable sauce drop.

Busy home cooks appreciate meals that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor.

Prepare to savor a meal that brings smiles and fills hungry bellies with minimal effort.

Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet Family Favorite Meal

• Savor One-Pot Simplicity: Minimize cleanup with this all-in-one skillet meal that transforms ground beef and pasta shells into a delectable dinner without multiple dishes.
• Create Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Packed with protein from beef, iron-rich spinach, and tomatoes, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that nourishes and satisfies hungry families.
• Speed Through Dinner Prep: Complete this hearty dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious and hunger is high.
• Customize With Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ground Beef Shells Skillet

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this delicious skillet dish.

• Pasta Shells: Small curved pasta that captures the rich sauce and adds a delightful texture to the meal.

• Onions, Baby Spinach, Diced Tomatoes: A colorful and nutritious blend that provides depth of flavor and added nutrients to the skillet.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Beef Broth: Adds rich, savory liquid that helps create a delicious sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that adds a creamy richness to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor that complements the beef and adds creaminess.
• Basil, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring a bright, fresh finish to the skillet.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding a subtle flavor to the dish.
• Seasonings: Enhance the overall taste and bring out the flavors of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide for Ground Beef Shells Skillet

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook pasta shells following package instructions until perfectly tender. Drain pasta, keeping some cooking water.

Toss shells with a splash of olive oil and set aside.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Diced onions
• Ground beef

Sauté until onions become transparent and beef turns completely brown. Drain excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

• Baby spinach
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Minced garlic
• Seasonings

• Reserved pasta water
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Mix cooked pasta shells into the beef mixture, ensuring every shell gets coated with delicious sauce.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, or parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal.

Cooking Tips to Perfect Ground Beef Shells Skillet

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Reserve pasta water strategically, as its starchy content helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce that perfectly coats each shell.
• Try alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary flexibility and diverse meal preferences.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms during the beef cooking stage.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing components in advance, allowing the skillet mixture to simmer and develop richer, more complex flavors.

Variations to Switch Up Ground Beef Shells Skillet

• Vegetarian Shell Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the dish's hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Shell Skillet: Swap traditional seasonings with oregano, basil, and za'atar, and add crumbled feta cheese to create a Greek-inspired variation with vibrant Mediterranean notes.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Shell Skillet: Substitute pasta shells with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, savory essence of the original recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Shell Skillet: Incorporate diced green chilies, chili powder, and cumin, then top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-style transformation of the classic dish.

Pairing Suggestions That Match Ground Beef Shells Skillet

• Complement the rich, hearty beef skillet with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. These wines feature strong tannins that beautifully cut through the meat's richness and enhance the dish's deep, savory flavors.
• Craft a light, crisp herb salad with arugula, fresh basil, and parsley dressed in lemon vinaigrette. This bright, zesty accompaniment will provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, meaty skillet, balancing the overall meal's intensity.

Storage Tips to Keep Ground Beef Shells Skillet Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled skillet contents to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream or dairy for best texture upon reheating.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the shells with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni. Just ensure the pasta can hold the sauce well.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This skillet dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduce cheese quantity, and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to increase nutritional value. You can also use low-sodium beef broth.

Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef shells skillet delivers comfort and flavor in one pan. Simple ingredients create a delicious meal families will devour and savor with ease.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 16 oz box of medium-sized pasta shells
• 2 × 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes (inclusive of juices)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach (thoroughly washed)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup water reserved from cooked pasta
• 3 tbsps tomato paste
• 2 tbsps olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
• ½ medium-sized onion (finely diced)
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt (adjust according to preference)
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• ¼ – ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta shells and cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender. Drain pasta, reserving ¾ cup cooking water, and gently coat with olive oil to prevent sticking.

1. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté diced onions until translucent, approximately 2 minutes. Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking meat into small crumbles, about 7-8 minutes. Eliminate excess grease from the pan.

1. Introduce baby spinach, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and minced garlic into the skillet. Stir ingredients and season with appropriate spices. Simmer mixture for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and flavors meld together.

1. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour reserved pasta water and heavy cream into the skillet. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until sauce thickens and cheese melts completely, approximately 2-3 minutes.

1. Fold cooked pasta shells into the beef mixture, ensuring each shell is evenly coated with sauce. Gently toss to distribute ingredients uniformly.

1. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, or parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Cook shells just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a pleasant texture that holds the sauce beautifully.
• Tossing cooked pasta with olive oil prevents sticking and helps create a more cohesive final dish, ensuring each shell gets evenly coated with the savory beef mixture.
• Draining excess beef fat ensures a lighter, less greasy skillet meal while concentrating the rich, meaty flavors.
• Replace heavy cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the recipe completely lactose-free and vegan-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 391 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg