Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

This Pasta Shells with Ground Beef recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Combining the rich taste of seasoned ground beef with tender pasta shells, it’s a comforting meal that everyone will love. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 2 cups Water
• 1 packet Red Sazon and/or Sazon Perfecta, for seasoning
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• Black Pepper, to taste
• 1 can Rotel Tomatoes (10 oz)
• 2 cups Uncooked Pasta Shells
• 1 tablespoon Granulated Tomato Broth
• 1 tablespoon Granulated Chicken Broth
• 2 Minced Serrano Chili Peppers
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 Bay Leaf
• Chopped Fresh Parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onion and Chilies: Add the chopped yellow onion and minced serrano chili peppers to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the chilies are soft.
3. Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through.
4. Season the Beef: Season the beef with the Red Sazon (or Sazon Perfecta), black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.

Step 2: Incorporate Additional Ingredients

1. Add Rotel Tomatoes: Pour the can of Rotel tomatoes into the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
2. Add Broths and Water: Sprinkle the granulated tomato broth and granulated chicken broth over the mixture. Add the 2 cups of water and stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Add Bay Leaf: Drop in the bay leaf and stir.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Add Pasta Shells: Add the uncooked pasta shells to the skillet, stirring to ensure they are submerged in the liquid.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta shells are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove Bay Leaf: Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf from the skillet.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
3. Serve: Serve the pasta shells and ground beef hot, with additional parsley or grated cheese on top if desired.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Shells with Ground Beef:

• Serrano Chili Peppers: Adjust the amount of serrano chili peppers according to your heat preference. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the quantity or omit them altogether.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Rotel tomatoes add a nice flavor and a bit of heat. If you can’t find Rotel, you can use regular diced tomatoes and add a bit of chili powder or red pepper flakes.
• Broth Powders: Granulated tomato broth and chicken broth add depth of flavor. If you can’t find these, you can substitute with regular bouillon cubes or paste.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh taste that complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Variations:

• Cheesy Addition: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top before serving. Allow it to melt slightly for a gooey addition.
• Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Different Pasta: While pasta shells work great for this recipe, you can also use other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni.

Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is a versatile and delicious dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a medley of spices creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.