Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

Pasta shells with ground beef is a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe combines tender pasta shells with a flavorful ground beef sauce, topped with melted cheese for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Beef Sauce:

• 12 oz pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Beef Sauce:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the beef sauce, and stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

4. Bake the Dish:

• Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
• Serve hot, with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

1. Pasta Choice: While shells work great for this recipe, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti.
2. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in different cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses for added flavor.
3. Vegetable Add-Ins: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef sauce.
4. Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
5. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Enjoy this comforting and delicious pasta shells with ground beef dish as a satisfying meal that the whole family will love!