pasta shells with ground beef recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pasta shells with ground beef recipe

I’ve been making pasta shells with ground beef for years, and it’s still one of my go-to recipes when I need a comforting meal that my family will love. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh ground beef and real Parmesan cheese, which gives the dish a rich and satisfying taste.

My kids always ask for seconds, and it’s not uncommon for them to request this recipe for special occasions like birthday dinners or family gatherings. I think what makes this recipe so special is the combination of textures and flavors. The pasta shells provide a nice contrast to the hearty ground beef, while the tomato sauce adds a burst of freshness.

And let’s not forget the cheese – a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan takes this dish to the next level. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it as a main course, or use it as a filling for subs or sandwiches. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite toppings or ingredients, whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or want to add some extra veggies. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quick and easy this recipe is to make.

With just a few minutes of prep work and some basic cooking skills, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

4.8 from 1636 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp water

For the Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3Make a well in the center and add egg, olive oil, and water.
4Mix until a dough forms.
5Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6Let it rest for 15 minutes.
7Roll out the dough using a rolling pin or pasta machine until it is about 1/8 inch thick.
8Cut the dough into 3-inch squares.
9Place a small amount of the ground beef filling in the center of each square.
10Fold the dough over the filling to form a shell, pressing the edges to seal.
11Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
12In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
13Drain any excess fat.
14Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
15Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
16Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
17In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
18Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
19The sauce should thicken slightly.
20Arrange the pasta shells in a baking dish.
21Pour the sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well coated.
22Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
23Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbly.
24The pasta shells should be slightly golden on top.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Pasta machine or knife
Large skillet
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

This pasta shells with ground beef recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration.

One of my favorite things about this dish is how well it reheats – simply pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and serve with some crusty bread or garlic knots on the side.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

Q: What type of pasta shells should I use?

A: You can use any type of pasta shell you like, but I prefer to use conchiglie or jumbo shells because they hold onto the filling so well.

Q: Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking apart during cooking?

A: To prevent the pasta shells from breaking apart during cooking, make sure they’re cooked al dente and then fill them carefully so they don’t become too full.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the filling and assembling the pasta shells up to 24 hours in advance.

Q: What if I don’t have any tomato sauce on hand?

A: If you don’t have any tomato sauce on hand, you can easily make your own by combining canned crushed tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.

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