SIMPLE GROUND BEEF SHELLS SKILLET

Do you want a filling, homey pasta? Dive into a skillet full of delicious pasta shells, juicy ground beef, fresh spinach, and tangy tomatoes, all covered in a thick Italian sauce. Did we say that there was a lot of Parmesan on top? In only 30 minutes

Let me take you back in time for a moment. I came up with the “SIMPLE GROUND BEEF SHELLS SKILLET” on a rainy night. At first, it was just a random mix. You know those days when you open the fridge and sigh heavily, wondering what you can make with the few things you have? That was me. I took some ground beef, pasta shells, and fresh vegetables that I already had and went with the flow. I had no idea that it would become a family favorite that even my picky niece begs for. Now, every time I make this, it brings back memories of that fun night with the people I love, full of good food and laughter.

Okay, let’s talk about why this beef pasta skillet isn’t like any other. First of all, it’s quick—like, you can beat your hungry stomach in a race kind of quick. Second, it has a lot of healthy nutrients. We’re talking baby spinach (your muscles will love you) and diced tomatoes (hello, antioxidants). Then there’s the whole symphony of flavors that dance in your mouth. The Italian seasoning is like fairy dust that makes the creamy and tangy flavors just right. And if you’re one of those people who think cheese makes everything better (welcome to the club!), this dish has the delicious, melting goodness of Parmesan.

What goes into it

• ◯ A box of medium-sized pasta shells that weighs 16 ounces
• ◯ 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 of diced tomatoes inclusive of juices
• ◯ 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• ◯ 1 cup beef broth
• ◯ 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ◯ 3 cloves of garlic minced (alternatively, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used)
• ◯ ¼ – ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ◯ ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ◯ ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ◯ ½ teaspoon salt adjust according to preference
• ◯ ¾ cup water reserved from cooked pasta
• ◯ ½ cup heavy cream this ingredient is optional

Instructions

1. Commence by preparing the pasta shells. Cook them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines until they reach an al dente texture. Post cooking, drain the pasta while ensuring the reservation of approximately ¾ cup of the cooking water. Subsequently, toss the drained pasta in a tablespoon of olive oil and set it aside for later integration.
2. Concurrently, as the pasta cooks, proceed with the beef preparation. In a large skillet, introduce a tablespoon of olive oil and place it over medium-high heat. Once the oil achieves a slight shimmer, incorporate the diced onions. Allow the onions to cook until translucent, typically requiring 1-2 minutes. Following this, add the ground beef to the skillet. Continue cooking while stirring intermittently until the beef is thoroughly browned, which usually takes about 7-9 minutes. Drain off any surplus oil that accumulates during this process.
3. Upon satisfactory cooking of the beef, integrate the baby spinach, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, minced garlic, and all requisite seasonings into the skillet. Allow the mixture to cook until the spinach has wilted and all the ingredients have amalgamated seamlessly. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and proceed to introduce the reserved pasta water, optional heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Continuously stir this concoction and let it simmer, ensuring the cheese melts uniformly into the sauce and the mixture slightly thickens.
4. To finalize, incorporate the previously prepared pasta into the skillet, ensuring that every pasta shell is adequately coated with the beef and cheese mixture.
5. As a garnish, consider adding an additional sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped basil, or parsley prior to serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 593kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 501mg | Potassium: 638mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1497IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 4mg