Description
A quick, one-skillet weeknight dinner featuring jumbo pasta shells, ground beef, and a rich, creamy marinara sauce. This kid-approved meal is ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 jar (24oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Water for boiling pasta
- Olive oil or butter (optional, for lean beef)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Mince garlic and measure spices. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta: Add jumbo shells to boiling water and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Brown beef: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, then drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Build sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the beef; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add cream: Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Gradually stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with pasta water if needed.
- Combine: Add drained pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and optional fresh basil or olive oil.
Notes
Save the starchy pasta water to help thicken the sauce. Shred your own cheese to prevent anti-caking agents from making the sauce grainy. Remove from heat before adding cheese to ensure smooth melting. If using lean beef, add a tablespoon of butter or oil to compensate for fat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: creamy beef and shells, one pan dinner, easy weeknight meals, ground beef recipes, pasta recipes, family friendly dinner, 30 minute meals