pasta shells with ground beef recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
pasta shells with ground beef recipe
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The Best pasta shells with ground beef recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes: pasta shells with ground beef. This dish is a classic for a reason, and I think it’s because it’s just so comforting and satisfying.

The combination of tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and rich tomato sauce is just perfect. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my kids and husband.

Whether we’re having a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe never fails to deliver. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make, even on busy days when I don’t have a lot of time to spare. I love that I can whip up a batch of this pasta in under an hour, and it’s ready to go in no time.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites too – they’re always eager to get involved when they see the pasta shells coming out of the package. As for me, I love that this recipe is not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to some other pasta dishes out there.

With lean ground beef and plenty of veggies, I feel good about serving this up to my family night after night.

Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

4.7 from 1112 votes

A hearty and comforting pasta dish featuring homemade pasta shells filled with seasoned ground beef, baked to perfection with a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 5 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 700 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 tsp salt

For the Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For Assembly

2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3Make a well in the center and add eggs.
4Mix until a dough forms.
5Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.
6Let it rest, covered, for 20 minutes.
7Roll out the dough thinly using a pasta machine or rolling pin.
8Cut into 3-inch circles.
9Cook pasta in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
10Remove from water and set aside.
11In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
12Drain excess fat.
13Add onion and garlic, cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
14Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
15Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
16Remove from heat and set aside.
17In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
18Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
19Remove from heat and set aside.
20Place a spoonful of the ground beef mixture in the center of each pasta circle.
21Fold the pasta over the filling to form a shell shape.
22Pinch the edges to seal.
23Place the shells in a greased baking dish.
24Pour the sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well coated.
25Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
26Drizzle with olive oil.
27Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated through.
28Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Pasta machine or rolling pin
Large skillet
Saucepan
Baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 700 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 75g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Add spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Pasta Shells with Ground Beef Works

This pasta shells with ground beef recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a quick weeknight meal. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it reheats – simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through.

For serving ideas, consider adding some crusty bread on the side or whipping up a simple green salad to round out the meal. As for storage, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to three days or freeze them for later use – just thaw thoroughly before reheating.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

Q1: What type of pasta shells should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using jumbo pasta shells – they hold their shape perfectly and are just the right size for filling with ground beef and sauce.

Q2: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey if you prefer! Just keep in mind that it will have a slightly different flavor profile than beef.

Q3: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, make sure not to overcook it – al dente is perfect for this recipe. Also, don’t overfill the shells with too much sauce or meat – you want them to still have some bite.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and assemble the dish ahead of time, but it’s best to add the cheese just before baking – otherwise it might get too melted.

Q5: What are some good variations on this recipe?

Some ideas include adding diced onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture, or using different types of cheese like Parmesan or ricotta. You could also try adding some heat with red pepper flakes or hot sauce – just be sure not to overpower the dish!

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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