Pasta Shells with Ground Beef that’s hearty and easy to make!
Ingredients:
12 oz (340 g) medium pasta shells
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the ground beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes and sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir until well combined with the meat sauce.
6. Cheese it up: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella over the pasta mixture and stir to melt the cheese. If you want a baked version, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
This dish pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread. Enjoy!
