Pasta Shells With Ground Beef – The Comfort Meal Everyone Keeps Requesting!
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, family-friendly, and unbelievably easy to whip up, this Pasta Shells with Ground Beef recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s one of those dishes you make once, and suddenly everyone is asking you to “make that pasta again!” The tender shells soak up every bit of the savory sauce, the beef adds richness, and the blend of tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings creates a meal that tastes like it simmered all day—even though it comes together fast.
What makes this recipe such a star? It’s comforting, budget-friendly, kid-approved, and customizable for any taste. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy after a long day, this dish checks every box.
🍽 Why You’ll Love This Pasta Shells With Ground Beef Recipe
One-pot dinner for minimal cleanup
Simple ingredients, big flavor
Perfect for meal prep—even better the next day
Customizable—add veggies, spice, cheese, or fresh herbs
Comfort food at its finest
This is the kind of meal that fills the whole kitchen with a warm, savory aroma that feels like home. The ground beef cooks down beautifully with onions, garlic, and tomatoes, creating a rich sauce that clings to every curve of the pasta shells.
🔥 Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb (450g) ground beef
2 cups medium pasta shells
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional but recommended)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan (optional but amazing)
Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 How to Make Pasta Shells With Ground Beef
- Cook the pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste, then add the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer to thicken into a rich sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta shells directly into the sauce. Stir well so every shell absorbs the flavor.
- Optional: Add shredded cheese on top, cover the pan, and let it melt into a creamy, irresistible layer.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot!
💡 Tips for the Best Flavor
Brown the beef well—color = flavor.
Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes taste too acidic.
Use broth instead of water for even richer sauce.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes or chili powder.
🧀 Variations You Can Try
Cheesy Shells: Add cream cheese or heavy cream for a rich, creamy version.
Mexican-style: Add taco seasoning, corn, and black beans.
Italian-style: Add fresh basil, parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
Veggie-packed: Add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or broccoli.
🥗 What to Serve With Pasta Shells With Ground Beef
Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Roasted vegetables
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
⭐ Final Thoughts
This Pasta Shells With Ground Beef recipe is proof that simple meals can still taste downright amazing. It’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for those nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Make it once, and it will quickly earn a spot into your weekly rotation.
If you loved this dish, don’t forget to share it or save it—you’ll be asked for the recipe more than you think!
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