Pasta Shells With Ground Beef Recipe

This Pasta Shells with Ground Beef recipe is a comforting, family-friendly dish featuring tender pasta shells stuffed or mixed with flavorful ground beef and a savory tomato-based sauce. Easy to make and full of hearty flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

⏱ PREP TIME

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25–30 minutes
Total: ~45 minutes
Servings: 4–6

🍳 EQUIPMENT

Large pot for pasta
Skillet for ground beef
Baking dish (if baking)
Wooden spoon
Knife & cutting board

🧾 INGREDIENTS

For the pasta and beef

12 oz (340g) pasta shells
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the sauce

2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional:

1 egg (for binding if stuffing shells)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

📝 INGREDIENT NOTES

Ground beef: 80/20 mix is juicy and flavorful.
Pasta shells: Jumbo shells can be stuffed; medium shells can be used for a skillet version.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts perfectly, Parmesan adds sharp flavor.

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1️⃣ Cook pasta

Boil pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the beef

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

3️⃣ Combine with sauce

Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce with the beef.
Optional: Mix in 1 egg and ½ cup Parmesan if stuffing shells.

4️⃣ Stuff or mix pasta

Stuffed version: Spoon beef mixture into each cooked shell and place in a greased baking dish.
Skillet version: Mix pasta shells with beef mixture in a large skillet.

5️⃣ Add cheese and bake

Top with remaining marinara and mozzarella cheese.
Bake in preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6️⃣ Serve

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.

🥗 NUTRITION FACTS (approx. per serving)

Calories: ~450
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: depends on sauce and cheese

⭐ TIPS FOR PERFECT PASTA SHELLS WITH GROUND BEEF

✔ Don’t overcook pasta — it will bake further in the oven
✔ Use homemade sauce for richer flavor
✔ Stuff shells tightly but gently to avoid breaking
✔ Let baked dish rest 5 minutes before serving
✔ Mix cheeses for extra creaminess

🔄 VARIATIONS

Vegetable Boost: Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
Creamy Twist: Mix ricotta cheese into the beef mixture for stuffed shells.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells.