Oh, the weeknight dinner struggle! We’ve all been there, right? Staring into the fridge after a long day, wishing for something delicious and satisfying without all the fuss. That was me, constantly searching for that perfect recipe that wasn’t just *easy*, but genuinely *good*. And then, it hit me – this Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet! It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and gets everyone to the table without a fuss. I remember making it the first time, expecting a decent meal, but wow, was I blown away by how flavorful and quick it was. It’s become our go-to, and I just know it’s going to be yours too!

Why This Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet Recipe is a Weeknight Winner

Honestly, this Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet is my secret weapon for busy nights. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a lifesaver! Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:

Super Speedy: We’re talking about getting a hearty, delicious meal on the table in about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when you’re in a rush!
Seriously Easy: If you can brown some beef and open a can, you can make this. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps.
One-Pan Wonder: Yup, everything cooks in one skillet. That means way less dishes, and who doesn’t love that? More time for relaxing, less time scrubbing!
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s got that comforting, cheesy, beefy flavor that everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies, seems to love.
So Versatile: You can tweak it with spices or add extra veggies – it’s forgiving and always turns out great.

It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on, time and time again, to deliver a satisfying meal without adding stress to your day.

Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet

Alright, let’s get this Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet party started! You don’t need a whole pantry full of fancy stuff for this one, which is another reason I love it. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:

1 pound ground beef: I usually go for 80/20, but whatever you have works!
1 onion, chopped: A yellow or white onion is great here. Just give it a rough chop.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that yummy flavor boost. Don’t even think about the pre-minced stuff in a jar if you can help it!
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Those juices add so much flavor!
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained: This is where the magic happens for that little kick! Choose mild or hot depending on your mood.
1 cup beef broth: This helps everything cook and brings all those flavors together beautifully.
1 cup uncooked shell pasta: The little shells are perfect for scooping up all that goodness. You could probably use elbows or macaroni in a pinch, too.
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin: These spices are like the warm hug in this dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Always season as you go!
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Or Monterey Jack, or a blend! Whatever melty cheese makes you happy.

See? Totally doable! Oh, and a little tip from my kitchen to yours – if you happen to have some extra garlic on hand one day, throw in a third clove for extra oomph! It makes a difference. Gathering these ingredients is the first step to a truly satisfying meal.

How to Prepare the Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet

Okay, friend, let’s get cooking! This Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet is about as straightforward as it gets, and that’s why we love it. Everything happens right in one pan. Seriously, one pan! It makes cleanup a breeze, and you get all those amazing flavors melding together. Trust me, you’ll be making this over and over again. Ready to make some magic?

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

First things first, grab your biggest skillet – the one you’d use for something like creamy beef and shells. Pop it on the stove over medium-high heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef and break it up with your spoon. Cook it until it’s all browned and no pink is showing. Now, this is important: drain off all that excess grease. We want delicious flavor, not a greasy mess! Add your chopped onion and minced garlic right into the same skillet (don’t clean it, that’s the beauty of it!) and cook for about 5 minutes, or until everything smells wonderful and the onions are nice and soft. It’s that simple to get started!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Simmer

Now for the fun part! Dump in the diced tomatoes (with their juice!), the Rotel (again, with the juice – don’t drain it!), and the beef broth. Give it all a good stir. Next, pour in your uncooked shell pasta. Yep, it all goes in dry right now! And don’t forget the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together really well to make sure the pasta and seasonings are mixed throughout. Turn the heat up so it comes to a nice boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, put a lid on that skillet, and let it simmer away for about 15 to 20 minutes. Just check on it every now and then and give it a quick stir so nothing sticks to the bottom. You want it to simmer until that pasta is perfectly tender, just like in my Taco Mac casserole.

Step 3: Melt in the Cheese and Serve

The grand finale! Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Put the lid back on for just a minute or two to let all that cheesy goodness melt into gooey perfection. And that’s it! You’ve done it. Ladle it up into bowls and serve it hot. A little tip: I sometimes let it sit for another minute after the cheese melts so it’s extra creamy, but who can wait that long, right?

Tips for Making the Perfect Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet

Okay, so you’ve got the basic steps down for this Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet, but let me give you a few insider tips that really make it sing. These are the little things I’ve learned over the years that turn a good dish into a great one, just like how getting your mac and cheese crust just right makes all the difference. It’s all about those small touches!

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

Don’t be afraid to play with this recipe! If you don’t have shell pasta, elbow macaroni or even small rotini would work. Want it spicier? Use hot Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For extra veggies, a can of corn or some diced bell peppers thrown in with the onions is fantastic. And hey, if you’re looking for a meatless Monday option, you could swap the ground beef for a can of seasoned black beans or some crumbled firm tofu!

Pasta Cooking Tips

The key to perfect pasta in a skillet dish is making sure there’s enough liquid and you check it at the right time. Don’t overcrowd the pan with too much pasta if you’re scaling this up; it needs room to cook evenly. If it looks like it’s getting a little dry before the pasta is tender, just add a splash more beef broth or even water. You’re aiming for that perfect al dente bite, not mushy pasta! This is just as important as getting the right texture in my shepherd’s pie.

Serving and Storing Your Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet

This Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to sop up any extra sauce. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can also really liven it up! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), it stores like a dream. Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I usually stir in a tiny splash of water or broth before microwaving it gently, making sure it’s heated all the way through. It reheats beautifully, almost as good as the first time – almost! It’s also great served alongside something comforting like homemade potato soup.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Ground Beef Shells Skillet

Got questions about this Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet? I’ve got answers! It’s a pretty forgiving recipe, so don’t worry, but here are a few things people often ask:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While shells are super fun, this recipe works great with other small pasta shapes like elbows, rotini, or even ditalini. Just make sure they’re quick-cooking pasta that will be tender in about 15-20 minutes.

How can I make this spicier?

Easy peasy! For an extra kick, just use a can of *hot* Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies instead of the original. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce when you add the spices.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep some of the ingredients ahead, like chopping the onion and garlic, or even browning the beef. But honestly, this Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet is best cooked fresh because the pasta can get a little soft if it sits in the sauce too long. If you do have leftovers, they reheat pretty well, though!

Is this recipe vegetarian?

The recipe as written isn’t vegetarian because it uses ground beef and beef broth. However, it’s super easy to make it vegetarian! Just swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or a can of seasoned black beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Voila!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet is an estimate, you know? It can totally change depending on the brands you use and exactly how much cheese decides to sneak into your bowl! But generally, one serving comes out to about 550 calories, 30g of fat, and a hearty 30g of protein. It’s a good, solid meal!

Irresistible Simple Ground Beef Shells Skillet

Author: smaakvolle.nl
Total Time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy ground beef and pasta skillet recipe perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 cup beef broth
1 cup uncooked shell pasta
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in diced tomatoes, Rotel, beef broth, uncooked shell pasta, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Serve hot.

Notes

For a spicier dish, use a can of hot Rotel.
You can add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: ground beef, shells, skillet, pasta, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, one-pan meal