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Chili Garlic Beef and Shells Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Chili Garlic Beef and Shells recipe featuring tender pasta shells tossed with a spicy, creamy ground beef sauce seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and Italian herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with optional Parmesan and fresh herb garnish for extra depth.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8-10 ounces medium pasta shells
  • Generous pinch of salt (for boiling water)

Sauce and Beef

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt
  • 10-12 cranks fresh-ground black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Garnish (optional)

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, basil, or other fresh herbs

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of water with a generous pinch of salt. Add the medium pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onion: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until softened but not browned.
  3. Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces with a spatula until it is nicely browned and cooked through.
  4. Add Seasonings and Tomato Sauce: Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and fresh-ground black pepper. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Finish with Cream and Combine: Stir in the heavy cream and warm through. Add the drained pasta shells to the skillet and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Serve: Plate the pasta and beef mixture, then garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content but retain flavor.
  • Heavy cream adds richness; substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
  • Fresh herbs and Parmesan are optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and presentation.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta; al dente provides the best texture in this dish.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/chili-garlic-beef-and-shells-recipe/