Description
This Simple Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a quick and delicious meal that combines savory ground beef, tender pasta shells, fresh spinach, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy, topped with creamy Parmesan cheese and a hint of Italian seasoning for the perfect comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz medium pasta shells or short pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables and Seasonings
- ½ onion, diced
- 2-3 cups baby spinach
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (or about 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ – ½ tsp crushed red pepper
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juices (do not drain)
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (may not need all)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, cracked black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Spinach and Pasta: Add the baby spinach to the sauce, stirring until wilted. Then add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the sauce.
- Add Reserved Pasta Water and Cream: Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Stir in the heavy cream for richness and warmth.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined, creating a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Serve: Spoon the beef pasta skillet into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute medium pasta shells with other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to control the heat level; omit if sensitive to spice.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit altogether.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
