This Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet is a hearty, homely dish that combines pasta shells with juicy ground beef, fresh spinach, and tangy diced tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy Italian-seasoned sauce. With the richness of Parmesan and optional heavy cream, this meal is ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 16 oz box of 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 of diced tomatoes (including 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)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 3/4 cup of pasta water, and toss the pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside.

2. Cook the Beef:

   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 1-2 minutes until softened.

   • Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 7-9 minutes. Drain any excess oil.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Add spinach, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, and everything is well combined.

   • Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the reserved pasta water, optional heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese is melted.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the beef and cheese mixture. Let it simmer for a minute to combine the flavors.

5. Serve:

   • Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.

Nutrients

Per serving (approximate, for 6 servings):

• Calories: 593 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 62 g

• Protein: 31 g

• Fat: 24 g

  • Saturated Fat: 10 g

• Cholesterol: 82 mg

• Sodium: 501 mg

• Potassium: 638 mg

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 4 g

• Vitamin A: 1497 IU

• Vitamin C: 5 mg

• Calcium: 178 mg

• Iron: 4 mg

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of pasta shells with ground beef creates a filling and well-balanced meal. The juicy ground beef provides protein, while the spinach adds freshness and a pop of color. The tangy diced tomatoes create a deliciously savory base for the sauce, while the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if used) create a creamy texture that envelops the ingredients beautifully.

Cooking everything in one skillet means minimal cleanup, making this a fantastic dish for busy nights. The Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes add depth and a touch of heat to the sauce, while the Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of richness. This dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion.

Cooking the Pasta: Perfectly Al Dente

The first step is cooking the pasta shells to al dente perfection. It’s essential to cook the pasta according to the package instructions and reserve a bit of pasta water for later. The starchy pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and ensures that the sauce clings to the pasta beautifully. Tossing the cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil prevents the shells from sticking together and helps the sauce to coat the pasta evenly.

Cooking the Beef: Flavorful and Savory

Ground beef is the star of this dish, providing the protein and heartiness needed for a filling meal. Cooking the ground beef with onions gives the base a depth of flavor, while the olive oil ensures that the beef doesn’t stick to the skillet. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, the excess fat is drained to keep the dish from being greasy.

The key to achieving a flavorful beef base is making sure the beef is browned properly, as this caramelization adds richness to the sauce.

Making the Sauce: Creamy and Savory

The sauce begins with a combination of fresh spinach, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a generous amount of garlic. The spinach wilts down quickly, infusing the sauce with color and nutrients. The tomato paste deepens the flavor of the tomatoes, while the beef broth adds richness.

The garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes are added to enhance the overall flavor profile, giving the sauce a perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy notes. Once everything is combined, the sauce simmers to allow the flavors to meld together, creating a robust and satisfying base for the pasta.

Adding the reserved pasta water helps the sauce come together, and the Parmesan cheese makes the sauce creamy and luscious. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can stir in some heavy cream, which makes the sauce even creamier and indulgent.

Combining Pasta and Sauce: A Perfect Marriage of Flavors

Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together, the cooked pasta shells are added directly to the skillet. Tossing the pasta in the sauce ensures that each shell is coated in the creamy, savory mixture. Letting it simmer for a minute helps the pasta absorb the sauce and makes the dish even more flavorful.

Serving the Dish: A Comforting Meal

To serve, sprinkle the pasta with additional Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while it’s still hot and creamy.

It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Why You’ll Love Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet

This dish is perfect for anyone who loves rich, comforting pasta meals. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor from the ground beef, tomatoes, and spinach. The creamy sauce adds an indulgent touch, while the combination of cheeses and spices creates a balanced, satisfying flavor profile.

It’s also a versatile recipe—you can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes, and you can make it as creamy as you like by adding more or less heavy cream. The one-pan nature of the dish makes cleanup a breeze, and the hearty ingredients ensure that everyone at the table will be satisfied.

Conclusion

The Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy, Italian-seasoned sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal, this recipe is easy to make and always satisfying. Serve it with your favorite side dish and enjoy a delicious, creamy pasta that everyone will love!