My boyfriend requested I make this recipe and I had never even heard of it
This hearty and comforting dish combines the flavors of ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a classic weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Medium pasta shells | 12 oz |
| Onion, diced | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato paste (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional) | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional) | For garnish |
Optional Add-ins:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chopped bell peppers | 1 cup |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | ½ teaspoon |
| Sliced mushrooms | 1 cup |
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add onion and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until onion is soft and garlic is fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the ground beef sauce. Toss until pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
- Add cheese (optional): Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the pasta. Cover and cook on low heat until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.
