Hearty Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner, Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is an excellent choice. This dish combines tender pasta shells with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a robust blend of spices for a hearty, satisfying meal. Inspired by Mexican flavors, this recipe is packed with seasonings like Sazón perfecta, Knorr bouillon, and a kick of serrano chiles to elevate the dish to the next level. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this delicious meal.

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Ingredients: What You’ll Need

To make this dish come to life, you’ll need a few key ingredients that will blend seamlessly together to create a flavorful meal. Here’s everything you need:

• 1.5 pounds of ground beef: Ground beef serves as the hearty, protein-packed base of the dish. Its richness pairs perfectly with the spices and pasta.
• 1 garlic clove, minced: Fresh garlic adds depth and savory flavor to the ground beef.
• Black pepper: For a bit of heat and to balance the flavors.
• Sazón perfecta seasoning: This all-purpose seasoning blend enhances the flavor of the ground beef with its unique mix of herbs and spices.
• 2 cups of medium-sized pasta shells: The pasta shells capture the sauce and spices, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
• ¼ cup of oil: Used to brown the pasta shells, similar to how you would brown rice in dishes like Rice-a-Roni.
• 4 cups of water: This will cook the pasta and create a flavorful broth as it simmers.
• 2 tablespoons granulated Knorr chicken bouillon: Adds a savory, rich flavor to the dish.
• 4 tablespoons granulated Knorr tomato bouillon: Enhances the tomato base, giving the dish a slightly tangy and robust flavor.
• 3 serrano chiles, diced: For a spicy kick. Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
• ½ onion, diced: Adds a sweet and slightly sharp flavor, complementing the beef and pasta.
• 1 can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles): A key ingredient that adds both moisture and flavor, with a touch of heat from the green chiles.
• A handful of chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a burst of freshness to balance out the rich flavors.
• Garlic and onion powder to taste: Enhances the overall flavor with an additional layer of seasoning.
• 2 packets of red Sazón: This gives the dish its vibrant color and adds a deep, savory flavor.
• 1 bay leaf: Infuses the dish with subtle herbal notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

Follow these simple steps to create a satisfying meal that will quickly become a favorite in your home:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Prepare the Beef: Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 pounds of ground beef, then stir in 1 minced garlic clove, a sprinkle of black pepper, and Sazón perfecta seasoning to taste.
2. Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked and no pink remains.
3. Drain the Grease: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This helps to keep the dish light and prevents the flavors from becoming too greasy.

Step 2: Brown the Pasta Shells

1. Heat the Oil: In a separate deep skillet, heat ¼ cup of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer when it’s ready for the pasta shells.
2. Brown the Pasta: Add 2 cups of medium-sized pasta shells to the hot oil. Stir frequently to ensure even browning, much like you would with Rice-a-Roni. Browning the pasta shells adds a toasty, nutty flavor and gives them a slightly crispy texture before they are cooked through.

Step 3: Combine the Beef and Pasta

1. Add the Ground Beef: Once the pasta shells are browned, add the cooked ground beef to the deep skillet. Stir to combine the beef and pasta, allowing the flavors to begin melding together.

Step 4: Add the Liquid and Seasonings

1. Pour in the Water: Add 4 cups of water to the skillet. This will cook the pasta shells and serve as the base for the sauce.
2. Add Bouillon and Vegetables: Stir in 2 tablespoons of Knorr chicken bouillon and 4 tablespoons of Knorr tomato bouillon. Add 3 diced serrano chiles, ½ diced onion, and 1 can of Rotel (with the juice). The serrano chiles will provide a spicy kick, while the Rotel adds tangy tomatoes and green chiles for a burst of flavor.
3. Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle in garlic powder and onion powder to taste. Add 2 packets of red Sazón, which will give the dish its signature color and flavor. Finally, toss in a handful of chopped cilantro for freshness and add 1 bay leaf for a subtle herbal aroma.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

1. Simmer the Dish: Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
2. Cook Until Al Dente: Let the dish cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta shells are al dente—tender but with a slight bite. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks, making each shell infused with the savory beef and spicy broth.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove the Bay Leaf: Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, remove the bay leaf and discard it.
2. Plate and Serve: Ladle the pasta and beef mixture into bowls or onto plates. Garnish with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.

Tips and Variations for Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of serrano chiles, or substitute them with jalapeños for a less spicy option. For those who love heat, feel free to add more chiles or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use Different Pasta: While this recipe calls for medium-sized pasta shells, you can easily substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni.
• Add More Veggies: Consider adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn for added texture and nutrients.
• Cheese, Please: For a cheesy twist, stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese just before serving, or sprinkle some on top of each plate.
• Leftover-Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when ready.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pasta Shells with Ground Beef recipe is not only easy to make but is also incredibly satisfying and versatile. With bold Mexican-inspired flavors and a hearty combination of pasta and beef, it’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as a quick weeknight meal. The use of Knorr bouillon and Sazón ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, while the fresh cilantro and serrano chiles give it a fresh and spicy kick.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Easy Meal for Any Occasion

Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to shake up your usual pasta routine, this Pasta Shells with Ground Beef recipe will hit the spot. The combination of browned pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and flavorful broth creates a rich, satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of this easy, Mexican-inspired meal!