As soon as this recipe caught my eye, I was certain I had to try it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Absolutely delicious!

After a long day at work, there's nothing like a hearty, comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. This recipe for pasta shells with ground beef has been a longtime favorite in my household. Not only is it a hit with the kids, but it also brings a sense of nostalgia, taking me back to my own childhood dinners. Plus, it's an excellent way to use pantry staples and ground beef, which I often have on hand.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, which adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta shells. Garlic bread is also a must-have – perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. For a veggie boost, consider steaming some broccoli or sautéing green beans to serve alongside.

Servings: 4-6 servings

1 pound of medium pasta shells
1 pound of ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons of olive oil

1. Cook pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

3. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

5. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

6. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

7. Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir to combine.

8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

9. Cover and let it cook until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

10. Serve hot and enjoy!

For a healthier twist, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you're looking to sneak in some more vegetables, add finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers when cooking the onions. For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce. Want a spicy kick? Throw in some red pepper flakes with the garlic. Finally, for an extra cheesy finish, broil the skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.