Ingredients
For the Pasta and Beef Sauce:
12 oz pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Cheese Topping:
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Beef Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the beef sauce, and stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
4. Bake the Dish:
Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve hot, with a side of c bread or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
Pasta Choice: While shells work great for this recipe, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in different cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses for added flavor.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef sauce.
Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Enjoy this comforting and delicious pasta shells with ground beef dish as a satisfying meal that the whole family will love!