Chili Garlic Beef and Shells
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Looking for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in a flash? This chili garlic beef and shells recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and delivers the perfect combo of savory ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a creamy chili garlic sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s weeknight-friendly, kid-approved, and full of pantry staples.
My husband has observed that a minor drawback of my food blogging is that we don’t repeat favorite meals all that often, because I’m always testing something new. This simple, cozy beef and shells is an exception — it’s a recipe I turn to again and again when the week calls for something fast, easy, filling, and flavorful.
This takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, is protein-packed with hearty ground beef and pasta, and has a delicious chili garlic sauce that adds a punch without much heat — or hassle. It’s also versatile: swap the pasta shape, meat, or add veggies to make it yours.
I also love that this is the rare beef and shells recipe without a ton of cheese or heavy cream. Just a splash is plenty to make a luscious sauce without drowning the pasta or weighing you down.
Ingredient Notes
How To Make Beef & Shells: Step-by-Step
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Cook pasta just to al dente. Be sure to salt the water well — it should be salty like the sea to ensure the pasta itself has subtle flavor.
Brown the onion and meat. Get started on this while the pasta water boils. I prefer to use a very lean ground beef so there’s no need to drain any grease.
Add seasonings and tomato sauce. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens a bit. Your pasta will most likely be ready to drain during this time.
Finally, add cream and pasta. Stir in the cream and warm through, then stir in the cooked, drained pasta. Sample and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish bowls with Parmesan and herbs, if desired. I especially like a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve and enjoy!
Variations
Swap the meat. Use lean ground turkey or ground chicken in place of the beef.
Use different pasta. No shells on hand? Use penne, rotini, or any other shape that has ridges, nooks, and crannies to hold the sauce.
Add a vegetable boost. Toss in a cup or so of finely chopped carrot, zucchini, squash, or bell peppers in the first step, along with the onion. Frozen peas go well on the side or can be stirred in alongside the tomato sauce.
Swap the cream. Half and half works; it will just yield a slightly thinner sauce. Readers have also substituted full-fat coconut cream in similar recipes with great success.
Serving Suggestions
This is a terrifically simple and comforting dish goes well with a simple arugula or spinach salad with Italian dressing, steamed green beans, roasted broccolini, or roasted carrots with thyme for a complete and delicious meal.
Chili Garlic Beef and Shells
Ingredients
- 8-10 ounces medium pasta shells
- 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
- Parmesan and fresh herbs optional garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water, add a generous pinch of salt, and cook pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.8-10 ounces medium pasta shells
- While the pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté 2-3 minutes, just until softened.2 teaspoons olive oil, 1/2 medium yellow onion
- Add beef and cook 4-5 minutes, crumbling it into pieces, until nicely browned.1 pound lean ground beef
- Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, followed by the tomato sauce. Stir well and cook 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.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
- Stir in the cream until warmed through, then add drained pasta shells. Stir well to combine, then serve with grated Parmesan and a sprinkling of fresh parsley, basil, or other herbs, as desired.1/4 cup heavy cream, Parmesan and fresh herbs
Nutrition Estimate
More Quick & Easy Ground Beef Recipes
- Korean Ground Beef Bowls
- Instant Pot Ground Beef Tacos
- Blue Ribbon Beef Chili
- Weeknight Bolognese
- Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
You can also FOLLOW me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, and FACEBOOK for more great recipes and ideas!
