Pasta shells with ground Beef

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until they are al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them since they’ll continue to cook in the sauce later.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. You can drizzle a small amount of olive oil on the shells to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the beef mixture.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan with the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth (or water), dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Stuff the Pasta Shells: Once the sauce is ready, carefully stuff the cooked pasta shells with the ground beef mixture. If the shells are too small to stuff, you can always spoon the mixture over the shells instead.
2. Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the stuffed pasta shells (or the shells with the beef mixture) into a greased baking dish in a single layer. If there is any leftover ground beef mixture, spoon it over the top of the shells.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

1. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the stuffed shells. This will melt into the sauce and create a delicious, gooey topping.
2. Bake (Optional): If you prefer a baked version, place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the shells start to turn golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Once baked (or if you’re serving the dish without baking), garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

Tips for Success

• Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier option, you can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey. This will help reduce the fat content while still providing a savory, flavorful filling.
• Mix Up the Cheese: If you want a bit more depth in flavor, consider adding some ricotta cheese or cream cheese to the ground beef mixture. This will add richness and creaminess to the dish.
• Add Vegetables: To boost the nutritional value of this meal, consider adding some finely chopped vegetables to the beef mixture, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These will not only add extra vitamins but also enhance the overall flavor.
• Make It Ahead of Time: This dish can easily be made ahead of time. Simply prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover the dish with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Freeze for Later: This is a perfect dish for freezing. Prepare the pasta shells, stuff them, and place them in a baking dish. Once assembled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food at Its Best: Pasta shells with ground beef is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of pasta, savory beef, and melty cheese creates a warm, filling meal that everyone will love.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. From changing up the type of meat to adding more vegetables or switching up the cheese, this dish offers plenty of flexibility.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is easy to prepare, with simple ingredients that come together in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in under an hour.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will absolutely love these cheesy, meaty pasta shells. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies if you blend them into the sauce, and the cheese and beef filling will keep them coming back for seconds.

Conclusion

Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its rich beef filling, savory tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish brings together the best of comfort food. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, this recipe is versatile, easy to make, and full of flavor. So grab a box of pasta shells and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!