Description
This easy ground beef skillet recipe brings together seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and pasta shells in a single pan for a quick, hearty, and family-friendly dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers comforting flavors with the convenience of minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta shells, cooked
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks and cook until browned throughout, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook for about 3 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Incorporate cooked pasta and simmer: Add the cooked pasta shells into the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently over medium-low heat for 5 minutes to let flavors meld and the sauce slightly thicken.
- Top with cheese and melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter substitute for ground beef.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
