Juicy ground beef, tender shell pasta, and a rich tomato-pepper sauce all simmered in one pan for a meal that tastes like a warm hug.
⏱️ Time & Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal
🛒 Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3️⃣ Add Veggies & Seasoning
Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the beef. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Simmer the Sauce
Let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes until thickened slightly and flavors meld together.
5️⃣ Combine & Serve
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat well. Heat through for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with parsley or grated cheese if desired, and serve hot!
💛 Why You’ll Love This
- One-pan magic — fewer dishes, more flavor
- Budget-friendly and packed with protein
- Easy to customize with whatever’s in the fridge
- Comfort food that’s kid-approved and freezer-friendly
- The kind of meal that brings the family to the table fast
💡 Helpful Tips
- Swap beef with turkey for a twist
- Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini to sneak in veggies
- Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese
- Double the batch and freeze half for busy nights
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