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Pasta Shells With Ground Beef Recipe

A One-Pot Wonder: Savory Beef and Pasta Shells

Pasta Shells With Ground Beef Recipe

Calling all pasta lovers! This recipe for Savory Beef and Pasta Shells is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. It combines the comfort of classic pasta dishes with the heartiness of ground beef, all simmered in a vibrant tomato-based broth. The best part? It all comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients:

  • The Savory Beef Filling:
    • 1.5 pounds ground beef
    • 1 medium clove garlic, minced
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • Sazon Perfecta seasoning, to taste
  • The Pasta Shells:
    • 2 cups medium-sized pasta shells
  • The Flavorful Broth:
    • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
    • 4 cups water
    • 2 tablespoons Knorr Granulated Chicken Bouillon
    • 4 tablespoons Knorr Granulated Tomato Bouillon
    • 3 Serrano chiles, diced (adjust for spice preference)
    • ½ onion, chopped
    • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes (original or your preferred fire-roasted variety)
    • 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
    • 2 packets Sazon Goya Red Seasoning
    • 1 bay leaf
    • Garlic powder and onion powder, to taste


Instructions:

  1. Browning the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, black pepper, and Sazon Perfecta seasoning. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This forms the flavorful base for your dish.
  2. Browning the Pasta (Optional):Tip: While some prefer browning the pasta for a deeper flavor, this step is optional. If you choose to do this, remove the browned beef from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Add the pasta shells to the hot oil in the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned. This step adds a nutty flavor to the pasta.
  3. Draining and Combining: Drain any excess grease from the pot after browning the beef or pasta (if you chose to do so). Return the cooked beef (and browned pasta, if applicable) to the pot.
  4. Building the Broth: Add the water, Knorr Granulated Chicken Bouillon, Knorr Granulated Tomato Bouillon, diced Serrano chiles, chopped onion, Rotel diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, Sazon Goya Red Seasoning, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. This creates the flavorful broth that will simmer the pasta and infuse it with deliciousness.
  5. Seasoning to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta shells are al dente (cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite). Season with additional garlic powder and onion powder to taste, if desired.
  6. Freshness and Serving: Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. The cilantro adds a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the savory flavors.
  7. Enjoy! Serve the Savory Beef and Pasta Shells immediately while hot. Enjoy every flavorful bite of this one-pot wonder!

Tips:

  • For a creamier texture, you can stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream after removing the bay leaf.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

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