This 30-minute creamy beef and shells recipe is simple to make.
It’s a budget-friendly and comforting meal that has pasta in a tasty meat sauce with a hint of cream!
Ingredients:
1.5 pounds of ground beef
Clove and garlic
black pepper
Sazon Perfecta seasoning.
2 c sized pasta
1/4 c oil
4 c water
2 tablespoons of Knorr Grained Chicken Stock
4 tablespoons of Knorr Grained Tomato Stock
3 cubes serrano peppers
half an onion
1 packet rutile
A handful coriander
Garlic and onion powder to taste
2 packages of red mill
1 bay leaf
Instructions:
Brown ground beef with minced garlic, black pepper and Sazon Perfecta seasoning.
While the meat is cooking, in a deep skillet, brown the pasta shells in 1/4 cup of the oil (as you would brown brown rice or Ronnie).
Drain the fat from the ground beef and add the meat to the pasta shells.
Adding 4 c of water, 2 tsp of Knorr granulated chicken broth,
3 cube of serrano peppers &
4 tsp of Knorr granulated tomato broth, slice in half an onion,
1 can rutile, a handful of cilantro,
2 bag Sazon Rouge, Bay leaf, adding garlic also onion powder to taste.
Stir, cover and cook over medium-high heat until your crust is soft. Serves! Enjoy this easy-to-make Mexican pasta recipe with ground beef.
Pasta shells with ground beef is a classic, comforting dish that can be easily customized to fit various flavors and dietary preferences.
Below are some variations and tips to elevate this simple yet hearty meal:
Variations:
Classic Pasta Shells with Ground Beef:
Use medium or large pasta shells combined with ground beef, marinara sauce, onions, and garlic. Top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for a traditional approach.
Cheesy Pasta Shells with Beef:
Add a creamy cheese sauce or stir in a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan to make the dish extra cheesy.
You can bake the shells with cheese on top for a bubbly, golden finish.
Italian-Style Pasta Shells:
Season the ground beef with Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
Use marinara sauce or a mix of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, and add a splash of red wine for a rich depth of flavor.
You can also stir in ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
Mexican-Inspired Pasta Shells:
Add taco seasoning or a mix of cumin, chili powder, and paprika to the ground beef.
Stir in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, then top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef:
Use jumbo pasta shells and stuff them with a mixture of cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs.
Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover with marinara or béchamel sauce, and bake until bubbly.
Creamy Beef and Shells:
Make a creamy version by adding heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
You can mix in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
This variation turns the dish into a rich and velvety pasta dinner.
Vegetable-Loaded Pasta Shells:
Boost the nutrition by adding diced vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the ground beef.
You can also stir in frozen peas or carrots for extra texture and flavor.
Low-Carb/Keto Pasta Shells:
Use low-carb pasta shells made from vegetables like zucchini or a substitute like shirataki noodles.
You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce fat and calories.
Beef and Shells with a Kick:
Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a spicy sausage mixed with the ground beef.
You can also stir in a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Greek-Style Pasta Shells:
Season the ground beef with garlic, oregano, and lemon zest.
Stir in diced tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
Tips for Perfect Pasta Shells with Ground Beef:
Use Lean Ground Beef:
Opt for ground beef with at least 90% lean content to keep the dish flavorful without being overly greasy. Drain any excess fat after browning the beef for a lighter meal.
Cook Pasta Al Dente:
Cook the pasta shells al dente (firm to the bite) since they will absorb some of the sauce as they sit, preventing them from becoming mushy.
Season the Meat:
Don’t forget to season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you’re using while cooking it. This enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Add Extra Broth for Flavor:
Instead of using only water to boil the pasta, use half water and half chicken or beef broth. This adds more depth to the flavor of the pasta itself.
Simmer the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have time, cook it even longer for a richer sauce.
Make Ahead and Freeze:
You can make a large batch and freeze individual portions for easy meals later. Simply cook the beef and sauce, mix with the pasta, and store in airtight containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months.
Enhance with Fresh Herbs:
Stir in fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor. Dried herbs work well for cooking, but fresh herbs add brightness to the final dish.
Mix and Match Cheeses:
Experiment with different cheeses. Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, or even gouda can be used to give the dish different flavor profiles.
For an extra indulgent version, top the pasta with a cheese blend and bake it in the oven until golden and bubbly.
Avoid Overcooking the Pasta:
Since the pasta may cook further when combined with the sauce, undercook it slightly when boiling, so it doesn’t become too soft by the time the dish is served.
Garnish Before Serving:
Add finishing touches like grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving to give the dish a professional look and enhance the flavor.
With these variations and tips, you can transform a simple dish of pasta shells with ground beef into a delicious meal tailored to your tastes, whether you want something classic, cheesy, spicy, or even healthier!
Storing Pasta Shells with Ground Beef properly ensures that the dish stays fresh and can be enjoyed later.
Here’s how to store it for both short-term and long-term use:
Refrigeration:
Duration: You can refrigerate pasta shells with ground beef for up to 3-4 days.
Method:
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing.
Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the absorption of any odors from the fridge.
Store the pasta and sauce together, but if you’re concerned about the pasta becoming too soft, you can store the sauce and pasta separately.
When reheating, add a little water or broth if the dish has dried out or thickened, and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Freezing:
Duration: You can freeze pasta shells with ground beef for up to 2-3 months.
Method:
Cool the pasta and beef mixture completely before freezing to avoid ice crystals forming.
Store the dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, flatten them for easier storage and quicker thawing.
If possible, store the sauce and pasta separately to avoid the pasta becoming too soft after thawing. However, you can freeze them together as well.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents before placing them in the freezer.
Thawing and Reheating:
Thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
Reheat the thawed pasta on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
Add a splash of water or broth if necessary to rehydrate the dish, as the sauce may thicken during freezing.
For a baked pasta variation, you can also reheat it in the oven by placing it in a baking dish, covering it with foil, and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, adding cheese on top if desired.
Additional Tips:
Portioning: Consider storing the pasta in individual portions to make reheating easier and quicker. This way, you only thaw and heat what you need.
Freezing Tips: Pasta can sometimes become a bit soft after freezing, so undercook it slightly before freezing if you plan to store it.
This helps maintain a better texture when reheating.
By following these storage methods, you can keep your Pasta Shells with Ground Beef tasting fresh and delicious, whether stored for a few days or a few months.
The nutritional content of Pasta Shells with Ground Beef will depend on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used, but here’s an approximate breakdown for a typical serving (about 1.5 cups) based on a classic recipe with medium pasta shells, ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese:
Nutritional Information (per 1.5-cup serving):
Calories: 400 – 500 kcal
Protein: 20 – 25 g
Fat: 15 – 22 g
Saturated Fat: 6 – 9 g
Carbohydrates: 40 – 55 g
Sugars: 5 – 8 g (from pasta sauce and tomatoes)
Fiber: 3 – 5 g
Sodium: 700 – 1000 mg (can vary depending on sauce and cheese)
Cholesterol: 60 – 80 mg
Calcium: 10 – 20% of daily value (if cheese is added)
Iron: 15 – 20% of daily value (from beef and pasta)
Factors Affecting Nutritional Content:
Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) lowers the fat content.
Ground turkey or chicken can further reduce calories and fat while still providing protein.
Pasta: Whole wheat pasta increases fiber and nutrients compared to regular white pasta.
You can also substitute with gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
Sauce: The type of pasta sauce used can affect sugar, sodium, and calorie content.
Opt for homemade or low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce sodium levels.
Cheese: Adding mozzarella or Parmesan cheese increases fat, calories, and sodium.
You can reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat options to make the dish lighter.
Vegetables: Adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can increase the fiber, vitamins, and minerals while adding minimal calories.
This estimate gives a general idea of the nutritional profile of Pasta Shells with Ground Beef, which is a well-balanced meal with a good amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
Adjusting the ingredients allows you to control the calorie count and nutritional value based on your dietary goals.
Enjoy!