Tomato & Marinara

Shells With Ground Beef And Tomato

Name: Shells With Ground Beef And Tomato
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 2 medium onions, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoes; 1 cup (250ml) beef broth; 1 tsp (5g) dried basil; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 12 oz (340g) jumbo pasta shells; 1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese

By Liana Underhill · June 19, 2026 · Tomato & Marinara

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time my grandmother made shells with ground beef and tomato for our family dinner. The aroma that filled the kitchen was incredible, and the flavors were so rich and comforting. It was one of those dishes that made you feel like everything was going to be alright. Over the years, I've perfected my own version of this classic Italian-American recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This recipe is special because it's a true reflection of the Italian-American cuisine that I grew up with. It's a dish that's deeply rooted in tradition, but also adaptable to your own tastes and preferences. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a foodie seeking a new challenge, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So, what makes this recipe so great? For starters, it's incredibly easy to make. The ingredients are simple, and the instructions are straightforward. But don't let the simplicity fool you - this dish is packed with flavor. The ground beef is cooked to perfection, and the tomato sauce is rich and tangy. And let's not forget the shells, which are cooked just right to retain their texture and flavor.

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. It's also a great option for a potluck or a dinner party, as it serves a crowd and can be made ahead of time. So, whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, I hope you'll give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy.

As you cook this recipe, remember that the key to success lies in the details. Take your time, and don't rush the process. Let the flavors develop, and the sauce simmer. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey. Cooking is a labor of love, and this recipe is a perfect example of that.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
The dish is incredibly flavorful, with a rich and tangy tomato sauce.
It's a great option for a weeknight dinner, as it can be made ahead of time.
The recipe is adaptable to your own tastes and preferences.
It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's sure to become a favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this recipe's success lies in the cooking technique. By browning the ground beef and cooking the tomato sauce slowly, we're able to develop a rich and deep flavor profile. The shells are also cooked to perfection, retaining their texture and flavor. And by finishing the dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, we're adding a salty and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Another key factor is the use of high-quality ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, good quality ground beef, and real Parmesan cheese make all the difference in this recipe. Don't skimp on the ingredients, and you'll be rewarded with a dish that's truly exceptional.

Finally, the resting time is crucial. By letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, we're allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. This makes all the difference in the world, and it's a step that's often overlooked in other recipes.

So, there you have it - the secrets to a perfect shells with ground beef and tomato recipe. It's a dish that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen, and one that you'll return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to ingredients, this recipe is all about simplicity and quality. We're using fresh tomatoes, good quality ground beef, and real Parmesan cheese to create a dish that's truly exceptional. Here's what you'll need:

Take a trip to your local Italian market or grocery store to find the best ingredients for this recipe. Look for fresh tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, and good quality ground beef. Don't skimp on the Parmesan cheese, either - it makes all the difference in the world.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for good quality ground beef with a fat content of around 20%. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
2 medium onions, finely choppedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedDon't overdo it with the garlic - 3 cloves is plenty. You want to be able to taste the other ingredients, too.
2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoesSan Marzano tomatoes are the best choice for this recipe. They have a sweeter, less acidic flavor than other tomatoes.
1 cup (250ml) beef brothUse a low-sodium broth to avoid over-salting the dish.
1 tsp (5g) dried basilFresh basil is great, but dried basil works just as well in this recipe. Look for high-quality dried basil for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoLike basil, dried oregano is a staple in Italian cooking. Use it to add depth and warmth to the sauce.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltDon't over-salt the dish - the Parmesan cheese will add plenty of saltiness later on.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
12 oz (340g) jumbo pasta shellsLook for high-quality pasta shells that will hold their shape during cooking.
1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheeseDon't skimp on the Parmesan cheese - it's essential to the dish. Look for a high-quality, aged Parmesan for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Shells With Ground Beef And Tomato

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenLarge skilletColander or strainerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Shells With Ground Beef And Tomato

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the shells.
2
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
6
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
7
Stir in the reserved pasta water and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
8
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until they are well coated.
9
Transfer the skillet to a serving dish and top the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese.
10
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.
11
Serve the shells with ground beef and tomato hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh tomatoes and good quality ground beef, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the pasta - it should still have a bit of bite to it.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Stir in some of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Top the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not letting the sauce simmer for long enough, which can result in a sauce that is too thin and lacking in flavor.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can make it difficult to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can result in a sauce that is too runny and a cheese that is not melted.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some spice to the sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Use ground turkey or pork instead of beef for a leaner option.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the sauce for added flavor.
Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

What to Serve With Shells With Ground Beef And Tomato

This dish is perfect for serving with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of basil for extra flavor and color.

For a more substantial meal, try serving the pasta with a side of roasted vegetables or a protein like chicken or sausage. The possibilities are endless, and this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chicken or sausageSauteed spinach or broccoli

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until it is hot and bubbly.

You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until it is hot and bubbly.

To reheat the dish, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot and bubbly.

When reheating the dish, be sure to stir in some of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of basil for extra flavor and color.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Jumbo pasta shells are the best choice for this recipe, as they hold their shape well and can be filled with the meat and tomato sauce.

Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or pork instead of beef. Simply cook it in the same way as the beef and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How long can I store this dish in the refrigerator?

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until it is hot and bubbly.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until it is hot and bubbly.

What is the best way to reheat this dish?

The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot and bubbly.

Can I add other ingredients to this dish?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this dish, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to add flavor and nutrition. Simply cook them in the same way as the beef and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Is this dish gluten-free?

No, this dish is not gluten-free, as it contains pasta. However, you can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until it is hot and bubbly.

The Full Recipe

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