Cheesy Beef Shells (35 Minutes)

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Who can resist the allure of pasta and beefy cheesy goodness? This dish combines tasty ground beef with the creamy meltiness of cheese, tomatoes, and herbs to produce a hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Let’s begin! 

  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta (8-10 minutes): In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Prepare the Beef (10 minutes): Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Introduce the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

  3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce (15 minutes): In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

  4. Combine Pasta and Beef (5 minutes): Add the cooked pasta shells and half of the Parmesan cheese to the beef-tomato sauce mixture. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

  5. Serve (2 minutes): Transfer the cheesy beef shells to serving dishes. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider sautéing a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onions for a subtle kick. Additionally, freshly grated Parmesan cheese always elevates the flavor, so opt for that if you can. A crisp green salad or garlic bread would make excellent accompaniments to this dish, balancing out the meal. If you’re looking to make the dish in advance, it reheats well, ensuring a tasty meal in no time. Finally, always taste and adjust the seasoning as you go – personal preference can significantly enhance the overall flavor profile!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Bread

Grab a loaf of your favorite bread—baguette or ciabatta are classics. Slice it up, but not all the way through, so it fans out nicely. In a bowl, melt some butter and stir in minced garlic (as much or as little as you like), a sprinkle of salt, and maybe a touch of dried parsley for that extra flair. Generously brush or spread this garlicky goodness between the slices. Wrap the loaf in foil and pop it into a pre-heated oven. When it's golden and aromatic, pull it out and enjoy the buttery, crispy, garlicky delight.

Fresh Spinach Salad

Start by washing and drying fresh spinach leaves, which will serve as the vibrant base of your salad. Hull and slice some ripe strawberries, their juicy sweetness a perfect contrast to the spinach. Crumble in some creamy feta cheese, which adds a delightful salty tang. For that crunch, toss in a handful of your favorite nuts—be it toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. When it comes to dressing, a simple balsamic vinaigrette works wonders. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Roasted Asparagus with Sea Salt

Start by preheating your oven. Take fresh asparagus spears, snap off the tough ends, and lay them out on a baking sheet. A little drizzle of olive oil goes a long way in giving them a lovely coat. Now, for the pièce de résistance, sprinkle some coarse sea salt over the top. It not only elevates the flavor but also gives a delightful crunch. Pop them in the oven and roast until they're tender yet crisp, with hints of golden brown at the tips. The result? A dish that's vibrant in color, rich in flavor, and just a touch fancy.

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