Pasta Shells With Ground Beef Recipe

May be an image of pasta

Below is a detailed, unique, and well-structured article about “Pasta Shells With Ground Beef”, complete with a rich description, useful tips, and a clear step-by-step method.


⭐ Pasta Shells With Ground Beef — A Comforting Classic Made Easy

There’s something undeniably soothing about a warm bowl of pasta shells coated in a savory, rich, meaty sauce. This Pasta Shells With Ground Beef Recipe is the kind of dish that comforts you after a long day, satisfies the whole family, and doesn’t require a culinary degree to make. You’ll love how the tender pasta shells cradle the hearty ground beef mixture, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or planning a cozy weekend meal, this recipe delivers taste, simplicity, and plenty of leftovers.


🍝 Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
  • Economical and filling, great for feeding a family.
  • Versatile—add veggies, spice, or cheese to your taste.
  • The shells soak up sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful and comforting.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound (450 g) pasta shells (medium or large)
  • Water for boiling
  • Salt (to season the pasta water)

For the Beef Sauce

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar (optional, for a cheesy finish)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

🔥 Step-by-Step: How to Make Pasta Shells With Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Add a generous amount of salt—this seasons the pasta from the inside.
  3. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  4. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  5. If you’re not using it right away, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula.
  3. Cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes).
  4. If the beef releases excess fat, drain it.
  5. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Tip: Browning the beef well adds deep flavor to the entire dish.


Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic

  1. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef.
  2. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion softens.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

The combination of onion and garlic forms the base flavor of the sauce.


Step 4: Build the Sauce

  1. Add the tomato paste and stir well, letting it caramelize for 1 minute.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
  3. Add paprika, oregano, basil, black pepper, and additional salt.
  4. Pour in the beef broth to loosen the sauce and give it a silky texture.
  5. Stir everything well and lower the heat.
  6. Let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What this does:
Simmering blends all the flavors and thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the pasta shells.


 

Please Head On keep  on Reading  (>)

Show Comments

No Responses Yet

Leave a Reply