Pasta shells with ground beef!!

Tender pasta shells tossed with seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato sauce and finished with melty cheese — an easy family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium pasta shells
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce or marinara
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente.
   Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion and cook until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
6. Season with:
   • Italian seasoning
   • paprika
   • salt
   • pepper
7. Stir in pasta sauce and diced tomatoes.
8. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
9. Add cooked pasta shells and toss to coat.
10. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.

Optional Add-Ins

• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Red pepper flakes
• Ricotta cheese
• Bell peppers

Serve With

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables

Tips

• Reserve a little pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
• Use lean ground beef for less grease.
• Broil with extra cheese on top for a baked pasta version.