Creamy Beef and Shells (Print-Friendly Version)
Savory beef combined with tender shells, spinach, cheddar, and Greek yogurt for a high-protein, comforting meal.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
450 grams ground beef or ground turkey
02 -
225 grams shell pasta
03 -
120 grams onion, finely diced
04 -
480 millilitres broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
05 -
55 grams tomato paste
06 -
60 grams grated cheddar cheese
07 -
60 grams grated cheddar cheese
08 -
60 grams grated cheddar cheese
09 -
60 grams grated cheddar cheese
10 -
60 grams grated cheddar cheese
11 -
60 grams grated cheddar cheese
12 -
300 grams fresh spinach, roughly chopped
13 -
360 grams plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature
→ Seasonings
14 -
5 millilitres Worcestershire sauce
15 -
10 millilitres Italian seasoning, divided
16 -
2.5 millilitres garlic powder
17 -
2.5 millilitres smoked paprika
18 -
salt, to taste
19 -
black pepper, to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking apart with a spatula, until completely browned and no longer pink.
02 -
Drain excess fat from the skillet. Add Worcestershire sauce, diced onion, 5 millilitres Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook until the onions are fragrant and softened.
03 -
Add tomato paste, shell pasta, broth, and remaining Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged. Add extra broth or water if needed.
04 -
Reduce the heat to low, cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir every 4-5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, adding additional broth or water if the mixture appears dry.
05 -
Once pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, remove the lid. Stir in grated cheddar cheese and fresh spinach. Cook until the cheese melts and spinach wilts.
06 -
Remove the skillet from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Stir in Greek yogurt until fully combined for a creamy consistency. Serve immediately.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For optimal creaminess, use full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt and always add it after removing the pan from heat to prevent curdling.
02 -
A tight-fitting lid ensures pasta retains moisture during simmering. Stirring periodically prevents scorching at the bottom of the pan.
03 -
Worcestershire sauce adds complexity and enhances the flavour of ground beef. Substitute with soy sauce if desired.
04 -
For a smoother sauce, a splash of olive oil or butter can be stirred in along with the yogurt.
05 -
If preferred, cook pasta separately and fold into the beef mixture after simmering.