Skillet Taco Pasta Shells

For 6 servings, Skillet Taco Pasta Shells keeps the list centered on ground turkey or beef, salt and pepper. Set aside about 35 minutes.

• Yield 6 servings
• Ready in 35 minutes
• Prep 15 minutes
• Cook 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey or beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup salsa verde (green salsa or green enchilada sauce)
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 1/2 cups medium pasta shells
• 1 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro for sprinkling
• Sour cream (olives and salsa for serving (optional))

Instructions

1. In a large, 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef, salt, pepper, onion (or onion powder), and garlic (or garlic powder), stirring every once in a while to break the meat into small pieces. Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess grease and scrape the meat mixture to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. To the skillet add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa verde, pinto beans, chili powder, oregano, pasta shells, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring often to make sure the pasta isn't sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 15-20 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked ground meat and top with the shredded cheese. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to let the cheese melt. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. The sauce will thicken as it rests.
5. Serve with sour cream, olives, and salsa, if desired.

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.