Description
Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting dish loved by many. It’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings. The tender pasta shells filled with a flavorful beef sauce and topped with melted cheese make for an irresistible meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces medium pasta shells
- Salt (for pasta water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned. Drain fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the beef sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, cover until melted.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
Serve the pasta shells hot, right after preparing. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. This dish is hearty enough to be a meal by itself.
Notes
Tips to Make Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta. You want it to be al dente so it holds its shape when mixed with the sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicy, add more crushed red pepper flakes!
- For extra flavor, you can add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.