This Pasta Shells with Ground Beef recipe is a flavorful, spicy dish that comes together easily with pantry staples like pasta, ground beef, and tomatoes. The addition of serrano peppers gives the dish a nice kick, and the combination of seasonings brings everything together for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 4 cups water
- Red Sazon and/or Sazon Perfecta, for seasoning (see notes)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes (10 oz)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta shells
- 4 tablespoons granulated tomato broth
- 2 tablespoons granulated chicken broth
- 3 serrano chili peppers, minced
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Season the beef with black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped yellow onion and minced serrano chili peppers to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onions soften and become translucent.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Tomatoes
Stir in the can of Rotel tomatoes (including the juice), the granulated tomato broth, granulated chicken broth, and bay leaf. Add the Sazon seasoning according to your taste preference (see notes for details). Mix everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Beef Mixture
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the beef and sauce. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the pasta is fully incorporated with the beef mixture, remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh parsley. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Notes:
- Sazon Seasoning: Sazon is a Latin seasoning blend that typically includes spices like coriander, cumin, and annatto. Red Sazon and Sazon Perfecta are both flavorful options, but feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. If you don’t have Sazon, you can substitute with a mix of cumin, paprika, and a pinch of turmeric.
- Spice Level: The minced serrano chili peppers add a good amount of heat to the dish. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the number of serrano peppers or substitute with milder chili peppers like jalapeños.
- Broth Granules: Granulated tomato and chicken broths add depth of flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have them, you can use regular bouillon powder or paste in place of the granules.
Variations:
1. Cheesy Pasta Shells
For a cheesy twist, stir in 1-2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) during the final simmering step. The cheese will melt into the dish, adding creaminess and richness.
2. Vegetable-Packed Pasta
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the ground beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor. Simply sauté the vegetables with the onions and chili peppers.
3. Mexican-Inspired Pasta
For a Mexican-inspired variation, add a teaspoon of cumin and chili powder to the ground beef along with the Sazon seasoning. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! You can substitute any short pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or macaroni for the pasta shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: This dish has a medium level of heat due to the serrano peppers. You can adjust the spiciness by using fewer chili peppers or substituting with milder varieties, or by adding more if you like extra heat.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Ensure that any seasonings and broths you use are also certified gluten-free.
This Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of seasoned beef, pasta, and a touch of heat from serrano peppers makes it an exciting dish that’s easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and endless variations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Enjoy this satisfying meal, and feel free to adjust the spice level and seasonings to suit your taste!