🍝 Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

A hearty, family-style pasta dish with tender shells, savory beef, and rich tomato sauce — perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

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🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) medium pasta shells

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean beef)

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade)

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, for texture)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese (Optional but Recommended)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook shells according to package directions until al dente.

3. Drain and set aside.

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2️⃣ Brown the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart.

3. Drain excess grease if needed.

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3️⃣ Build the Sauce

1. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.

2. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds.

3. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.

4. Simmer 10–15 minutes to thicken.

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4️⃣ Combine

Add cooked pasta shells into the skillet and stir until evenly coated.

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5️⃣ Optional Baked Version

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Transfer pasta to a baking dish.

3. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

4. Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

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🔥 Pro Tips

• Add ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.

• Stir in ricotta for creamy baked shells.

• For extra flavor, deglaze pan with a splash of red wine before adding sauce.

• Don’t overcook pasta — it softens more if baked.

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📊 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480–600

• Protein: 25–35 g

• Carbohydrates: 45–55 g

• Fat: 20–30 g

(Varies by cheese and beef fat content.)

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❓ Q & A

❓ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni work well.

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❓ Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

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❓ Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

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❓ How can I make it healthier?

• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey.

• Choose whole wheat pasta.

• Add spinach or zucchini to the sauce.

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❓ Can I make it spicy?

Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.