Quick and Hearty Ground Beef Pasta Shells

Quick and Hearty Ground Beef Pasta Shells, a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This recipe combines tender ground beef with pasta shells, infused with a medley of savory seasonings and aromatic ingredients.

As the pasta simmers to tender perfection, the fragrant aroma fills the kitchen, promising a delicious meal that’s ready to be enjoyed by family and friends alike.

So, gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with Quick and Hearty Ground Beef Pasta Shells. Whether served as a comforting weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a homemade meal that’s both quick and delicious!

How to make Quick and Hearty Ground Beef Pasta Shells

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds Ground beef

Sazon Perfecta seasoning

Black pepper to taste

2 cups Pasta shells

¼ cup Olive oil

4 cups Water

2 tablespoons Granulated chicken broth

4 tablespoons Granulated tomato broth

3 Diced serrano peppers

½ Chopped onion

1 Can Rotel

Chopped parsley

Garlic powder and onion powder to taste

2 Packets Red sazon seasoning

1 Bay leaf

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. And season with black pepper and Sazon Perfecta seasoning.

Brown the Pasta: In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil. And lightly toast the pasta shells. Until they start to turn golden.

Combine: Add the toasted pasta shells to the skillet with the ground beef.

Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the water. And add the granulated chicken and tomato broths, diced serrano peppers, chopped onion, can of Rotel, garlic powder, onion powder, red sazon seasoning, and bay leaf.

Simmer: Cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to low. And let everything simmer. Until the pasta is tender. About 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serve: Once the pasta is cooked. And the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat. Discard the bay leaf. And sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious. And hearty pasta dish!

Notes:

Versatile Seasonings: This recipe uses a variety of seasonings, including Sazon Perfecta seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red sazon seasoning, which add depth and flavor to the dish. Adjust the seasoning quantities according to personal taste preferences.

Texture and Flavor: Browning the ground beef and toasting the pasta shells before cooking them together adds texture and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. The diced serrano peppers and Rotel tomatoes contribute a subtle heat and tanginess, balancing the richness of the beef.

Cooking Technique: The step-by-step instructions guide you through the cooking process, from browning the beef to simmering the pasta shells with the flavorful broth and aromatics. Simmering allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the broth while cooking to tender perfection.

Convenience: This recipe offers a convenient and efficient way to prepare a hearty meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a satisfying pasta dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe based on personal preferences or ingredient availability. You can add additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra flavor and nutrition. Similarly, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer serrano peppers.

Garnish and Presentation: Sprinkling chopped parsley over the finished dish adds freshness and visual appeal. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate the presentation of the pasta shells, making them look even more inviting and appetizing.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the hearty ground beef pasta shells as a standalone meal or pair them with a side salad, garlic bread, or crusty Italian bread for a complete and satisfying dinner. The leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick and convenient meal option.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.

How spicy is this dish with the diced serrano peppers?

The spiciness of the dish will depend on your tolerance level.

You can adjust the amount of diced serrano peppers or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

Is Sazon Perfecta seasoning necessary, or can I use other seasoning blends?

While Sazon Perfecta seasoning adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with your favorite seasoning blend or a combination of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel.

Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the flavor profile.

Is the olive oil necessary for browning the pasta shells, or can I skip it?

The olive oil helps to toast the pasta shells evenly and adds flavor.

However, you can skip it if you prefer or use a different type of oil.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

What can I serve as a side dish with this pasta?

You can serve garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables as side dishes to complement the pasta.

How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Make sure to store them properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of this dish. A

dditionally, you can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.