In the realm of comfort food, few dishes satisfy like a warm, hearty plate of pasta shells brimming with savory ground beef. It’s a meal that conjures up memories of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and the simple pleasure of a well-cooked homemade meal. This recipe for Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is not only delicious but also straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or a cozy meal to enjoy any time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cooking the Pasta:
- Boil the Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until they are al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, but keep warm.
Preparing the Ground Beef Mixture:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the marinara sauce and beef broth into the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assembling the Dish:
- Fill the Shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take each cooked pasta shell and spoon a generous amount of the ground beef mixture into it. Arrange the filled shells in a baking dish.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the filled shells with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Baking the Pasta:
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serving:
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes and then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Conclusion
This Pasta Shells with Ground Beef recipe is more than just a meal; it’s comfort in a dish. With its rich meaty filling, tender pasta, and a duo of melted cheeses, it’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. The dish also offers room for creativity – feel free to add a layer of ricotta or vegetables to the beef mixture for an even richer experience.
When you serve up these stuffed shells, you’re not just providing a delicious dinner, but also the promise of a moment when time slows down, and all that matters is the warmth of good food and the company of loved ones. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a simple yet scrumptious classic that’s sure to be requested time and again.