Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
-
Cook the pasta shells:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. -
Add the sauce:
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Combine with pasta:
Add the cooked pasta shells to the beef mixture. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. -
Optional cheesy topping:
Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until melted and slightly golden. -
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
💡 Tips:
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
