Perfect! Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is a classic, hearty, and easy-to-make dish — kind of like a simplified version of stuffed shells or a baked pasta casserole. 🍝🥩
Here’s a delicious, family-friendly recipe:
🥘 Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total: ~40–45 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) large pasta shells
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara or spaghetti sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional: 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
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Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the beef
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft (5–7 minutes).
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Drain excess fat.
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Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 more minute.
3. Add sauce
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Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Optional: Mix in ricotta or cottage cheese for extra creaminess.
4. Combine with pasta
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Add cooked pasta shells to the beef and sauce mixture. Toss gently to coat.
5. Bake (optional)
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For a baked version:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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6. Serve
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Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.
🍴 Tips
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Cheese options: Swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor.
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Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
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Make it ahead: Assemble in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake just before serving.
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Quick stovetop version: Skip baking and just mix the cooked shells with beef and sauce — still delicious!
If you like, I can also give a stuffed shell version where each pasta shell is filled with a cheesy beef mixture for a fancier presentation.
Do you want me to provide that version?
