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Pasta Shells and Ground Beef

Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender pasta shells stuffed with ricotta cheese and topped with a savory ground beef sauce and melted cheese.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound 1 pound (450g) of pasta shells
  • Salt For boiling pasta
  • Olive oil For boiling pasta

For the Ground Beef Sauce

  • 1 pound 1 pound (450g) of ground beef
  • 1 medium 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

For the Cheese Layer

  • 1 cup 1 cup (240g) of ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup 1 cup (240g) of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (120g) of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparing the Pasta

  • Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add salt and a dash of olive oil to the boiling water.
  • Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside.

Creating the Ground Beef Sauce

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Break the beef into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you prefer a little heat). Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes.

Assembling the Dish

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the ground beef sauce.
  • Fill each cooked pasta shell with a spoonful of ricotta cheese and place them in the baking dish.
  • Pour the remaining ground beef sauce over the stuffed pasta shells.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.

Notes

Enjoy every bite and savor the satisfaction of a homemade classic!
Keyword Beef, Cheesy, Family Dinner, Italian-American, Pasta