Here’s a simple and hearty recipe for Pasta Shells with Ground Beef:
🍝 Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta shells
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add sauce and seasoning:
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with pasta:
- Add cooked pasta shells to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Optional cheesy finish:
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and cover for 2–3 minutes until melted.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, add ½ cup grated Parmesan to the sauce before tossing with pasta.
- You can also add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Leftovers make a great baked pasta casserole—just top with extra cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
If you want, I can also give a one-pot version that’s faster and easier for weeknight dinners. Do you want me to do that?
