Pasta shells with ground beef

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spoon a small amount of the meat sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Fill each pasta shell with the ground beef mixture and place it in the baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they’re well-covered.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
3. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color.
• Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

• Cheese choice: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.
• Extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a subtle kick.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the shells and meat sauce a day in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion:
Pasta shells with ground beef are a timeless comfort food that’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable. The combination of tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to recreate this delicious classic at home anytime.

If you want, I can also make a shortcut one-pan version that’s even faster for busy nights while keeping it just as cheesy and tasty. Do you want me to do that?