Sally Thompson
If you’re searching for a comforting and hearty meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, this Pasta Shells with Ground Beef recipe is the answer. It’s a classic dish that combines tender pasta shells with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce, all tied together with aromatic vegetables and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe is satisfying, flavorful, and budget-friendly.
Hearty and Flavorful Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
Pasta shells are ideal for capturing all the rich and savory flavors of the sauce. Their shape traps the juicy tomato sauce and ground beef, making each bite full of deliciousness. This recipe features perfectly browned ground beef cooked with sweet bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then simmered with diced tomatoes and a smooth tomato sauce. Italian seasoning and fresh parsley bring a fragrant balance to the dish, while grated Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch.
This meal comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced cooks. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply craving a bowl of comfort food, this pasta recipe is a go-to favorite. You can easily customize it with additional vegetables or leaner protein options like ground turkey for a healthier twist.
Ingredients for Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
To create this satisfying dish, gather these simple ingredients that deliver a perfect combination of flavors and textures:
- Pasta Shells – Medium-sized shells (conchiglie) work best for holding the sauce. Penne or rotini are great alternatives.
- Ground Beef – Lean ground beef adds rich, meaty flavor. Opt for 85-90% lean to reduce excess grease.
- Diced Tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes provide juiciness and a slight tang that balances the savory meat. Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth.
- Tomato Sauce – Smooth tomato sauce creates a cohesive, luscious base for the dish.
- Onion – Finely chopped onion adds a natural sweetness and aromatic base for the sauce.
- Bell Pepper – Diced bell peppers bring color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness. Use red, yellow, or orange for a vibrant look.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic enhances the sauce with robust flavor.
- Olive Oil – Use for sautéing the vegetables and beef. It adds a subtle richness.
- Seasonings – Dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) bring balance and a touch of heat.
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor for garnish.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional) – Sprinkle on top for a cheesy, salty finish.
How to Make Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect any night of the week.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Break the beef apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Mix everything together and let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure all the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the ground beef sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure the shells are evenly coated with the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
How Long to Cook Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
The overall cooking time for this recipe is about 25-30 minutes, making it a quick and convenient meal. Here’s a rough breakdown of the cooking process:
- Pasta Shells – Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Sautéing Vegetables – Softening onions, bell peppers, and garlic takes around 4-5 minutes.
- Browning the Ground Beef – Cooking the ground beef until no pink remains takes 5-6 minutes.
- Simmering the Sauce – Allow the tomato sauce and beef to simmer for 8-10 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it doesn’t overcook, as al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better when mixed with the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
This dish stores well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerator – Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or sauce to loosen it up.
- Freezer – For longer storage, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for Perfect Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
To ensure your pasta turns out delicious every time, here are a few tips:
- Cook Pasta Just Right – Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Drain Excess Grease – After browning the beef, drain off any extra fat to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Customize Your Veggies – Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.
- Creamy Option – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to make the sauce creamier.
- Add Cheese – For a cheesy twist, stir in grated Parmesan or top the dish with shredded mozzarella before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While pasta shells are ideal, other types like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work just as well.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and mix it with the reheated sauce.
3. Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage are great alternatives to ground beef.
4. How can I make the dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta or a protein-rich alternative like chickpea pasta. Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lean chicken. Add extra vegetables like spinach, carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Pasta Shells With Ground Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pasta Shells with Ground Beef recipe is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pasta shells are coated in a rich, savory tomato sauce with seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, and garlic, creating a flavor-packed meal that the whole family will love. Quick to make, budget-friendly, and full of deliciousness!
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium pasta shells (or any preferred shape)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or orange)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Build the Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired). Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly in the sauce. Let cook for 2-3 more minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before serving.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes