Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for pasta shells with ground beef:
### Ingredients
– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
– 8 oz (225 g) pasta shells
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz/170 g) tomato paste
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
### Instructions
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Cook the Beef:** In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
3. **Add Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. **Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:** Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:** Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the beef sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
6. **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the pasta and beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit until the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes.
7. **Serve:** Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
### Tips
– For extra flavor, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
– Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
– Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Enjoy your pasta shells with ground beef! Let me know if you try it out or need any more recipe ideas.