Pasta Shells With Ground Beef
Savor the hearty flavors of Pasta Shells with Ground Beef, a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with savory goodness, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why Try This Recipe:
This recipe offers a delicious twist on classic pasta dishes, combining tender pasta shells with flavorful ground beef and a rich tomato-based sauce. With the added bonus of vegetables and spices, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients Summary:
- 4 generous tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 3 cups uncooked conchas shells
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 Roma tomatoes, quartered
- 3/4 cup white onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 3/4 cup frozen carrots
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos (optional, for heat)
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Pasta Shells with Ground Beef dish piping hot, straight from the pot. Enjoy it on its own as a satisfying meal, or pair it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Storage Info:
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.
Techniques or Tips:
- Make sure to brown the ground beef well to develop flavor before adding the other ingredients.
- Stir the pasta shells occasionally while simmering to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Variation:
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with different types of pasta shapes or ground meats for variety.
FAQs About Pasta Shells With Ground Beef:
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as ground turkey may cook faster than ground beef.
Q: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes? A: Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are not available. Just be sure to drain off any excess liquid from the canned tomatoes before adding them to the pot.
Q: Can I make this dish spicy? A: Yes, if you like spicy food, you can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the dish for extra heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Pasta Shells With Ground Beef
Equipment
- - Pot
- - Knife and cutting board
- - Stirring utensil
Ingredients
- - 4 generous tablespoons olive oil
- - 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- - 3 cups uncooked conchas shells
- - 3 cloves garlic minced
- - 6 Roma tomatoes quartered
- - 3/4 cup white onion chopped
- - 1/2 cup chicken broth
- - 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- - 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- - 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- - 3/4 cup frozen carrots
- - 3 bay leaves
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - Red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos optional, for heat
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef to the pot and brown, stirring until no pink remains. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add conchas shells, minced garlic, quartered tomatoes, chopped white onion, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 20 minutes, add frozen carrots, oregano, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the pasta shells are cooked to your desired tenderness.
- Finally, add the chopped onions to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes until they soften.
- Serve the pasta shells with ground beef over cooked white rice, and enjoy! Adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos for extra heat if desired.
