Skillet Beef and Shells
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Skillet Beef and Shells recipe—an easy one-pan dinner that combines tender shell pasta with hearty ground beef and a rich, cheesy tomato-based sauce. Packed with flavors from garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning, this dish brings together pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, broth, and heavy cream for a velvety finish. Topped with a melty blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheese, it's a family-friendly meal ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this satisfying skillet pasta is sure to become a go-to favorite. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces small shell pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1.5 cups chicken or beef broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the shell pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 1-2 minutes shy of the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease, if needed.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1 minute to release the aromas.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly. Add the crushed tomatoes and broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the shells in the sauce.
Gradually mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Skillet Beef and Shells!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3268 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 198.7 g | 255% | |
| Saturated Fat | 95.6 g | 478% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 599 mg | 200% | |
| Sodium | 5515 mg | 240% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 211.7 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.3 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.6 g | ||
| Protein | 168.4 g | 337% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 1523 mg | 117% | |
| Iron | 21.7 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 3304 mg | 70% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
