Pasta Shells With Ground Beef

Transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouth-watering feast with this Pasta Shells With Ground Beef that promises to become an instant family favorite. Imagine tender pasta shells embraced by a rich, savory beef sauce that delivers comfort and flavor in every single bite.

This classic dish combines the heartiness of ground beef with perfectly cooked pasta shells, creating a meal that's both satisfying and incredibly delicious. Moreover, the combination of tomato sauce, herbs, and melted cheese elevates this simple recipe into something truly spectacular.

Perfect for busy families, comfort food lovers, or anyone craving a hearty pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Pasta Shells With Ground Beef: A Hearty One-Skillet Wonder

This isn't just another pasta recipe it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. The combination of perfectly browned beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses creates a dish that speaks to the heart of home cooking.

Get ready to discover how a few simple ingredients can create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serving Suggestions:

Your Pasta Shells With Ground Beef shines when served with:

• Garlic bread
• Fresh green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed broccoli
• Garlic bread crumbs for extra crunch

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta Shells With Ground Beef:

Beef Browning: Cook ground beef on medium-high heat to develop a rich, caramelized flavor.

Pasta Perfection: Cook shells just until al dente to maintain the ideal texture.

Sauce Simmering: Let the sauce simmer to develop deep, complex flavors.

Cheese Melting: Cover the skillet to help cheese melt evenly and create a gooey topping.

Make-Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Pasta Shells With Ground Beef Recipe Details:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Equipment: Large pot, skillet, cutting board, knife

This Pasta Shells With Ground Beef brings together the comfort of pasta and the richness of beef in one irresistible dish.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta Base:

• 1 pound medium pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the pasta shells and cook until they reach al dente perfection. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if needed.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 4–5 minutes. This builds a flavor foundation for the dish.
3. Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even browning. Once the meat is completely cooked, carefully drain any excess grease.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen the flavor profile. This simple step intensifies the sauce's richness and complexity.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
6. Gently add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce, stirring to ensure every shell is generously coated. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the delicious flavors.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt into gooey, irresistible goodness for about 5 minutes.

Ready to Relish!

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and melted cheese creates a truly memorable meal.

Storage Solutions:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave
• Add a splash of water or extra sauce when reheating to prevent drying out
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for a comforting meal that comes together quickly, these Pasta Shells With Ground Beef deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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