🍝 Preparation
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the pasta. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later, and set it aside.
(If you want to make this a true one-pan dish, you can skip this step and cook the pasta directly in the skillet with the beef and broth—just make sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly. I’ll explain how to do that in a moment.)
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.
Once the beef is browned, add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. This allows the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally, making sure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
4. Combine the Beef and Pasta
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the mixture looks too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a creamy consistency.
Continue to simmer everything together for about 2 minutes so the pasta can soak up some of the flavorful sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of extra Italian seasoning if needed.
5. Add Cheese and Serve
Once the pasta is perfectly coated and heated through, top the dish with shredded mozzarella cheese (if using) and cover the skillet. Let it sit for about 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
🍽 Presentation
This Beef and Shell Pasta Skillet is as easy to serve as it is to make. You can plate it directly from the skillet or spoon it into individual bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra red pepper flakes for a pop of color and a little extra heat. Serve with a side of crispy garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete, balanced meal.
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