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Plate of cheesy beef-stuffed shells with ricotta and marinara sauce

Classic Homestyle Beef and Shells

A hearty, no-fuss, one-pot dish combining ground beef, petite pasta shells, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the beef and aromatics

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) Ideal for flavor and moisture
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced) To sauté with beef
  • 3-4 cloves garlic (minced) Cook until fragrant

For the sauce

  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce Provides body and texture
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes With their juices
  • 2 cups beef broth To cook pasta in sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano For Italian flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil For herbal notes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds umami flavor
  • 1 leaf bay leaf To be discarded after cooking
  • 1 teaspoon salt To taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper To taste

Pasta & finishing touches

  • 8 oz small pasta shells Ensure they are submerged in sauce
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Stir until melted

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook 1 lb of ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Do not drain the fat.
  • Add 1 diced yellow onion and sauté with the beef for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add 3-4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Cooking

  • Stir in one 15-oz can of tomato sauce, one 15-oz can of diced tomatoes, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a steady simmer.
  • Stir in 8 oz of small pasta shells, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
  • Cover the pot and simmer for 13-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Final Steps

  • Remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaf and stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  • Let the dish sit, covered, for 5 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or more Parmesan before serving.

Notes

For best results, do not drain the beef fat to retain flavor, maintain a gentle simmer, and undercook the pasta slightly to ensure perfect texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6g
Keyword Beef and Shells, Comfort Food, Homestyle Cooking, one-pot pasta, Weeknight Dinner
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