
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
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add a generous amount of salt—this seasons the pasta from the inside.
- Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- If you’re not using it right away, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula.
- Cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes).
- If the beef releases excess fat, drain it.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Tip: Browning the beef well adds deep flavor to the entire dish.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef.
- Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion softens.
- 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
- Add the tomato paste and stir well, letting it caramelize for 1 minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
- Add paprika, oregano, basil, black pepper, and additional salt.
- Pour in the beef broth to loosen the sauce and give it a silky texture.
- Stir everything well and lower the heat.
- 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.









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