Quick Meat Sauce and Shells
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Quick Meat Sauce and Shells recipe, a comforting blend of hearty flavors that comes together in just 35 minutes! Featuring tender medium pasta shells blanketed in a rich, savory tomato-based meat sauce, this dish is infused with aromatic garlic, sweet onion, and a medley of Italian herbs like oregano and basil. A dash of sugar balances the acidity of the crushed tomatoes, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional parsley garnish elevate the meal to restaurant-quality perfection. Perfect as a family-friendly option, this one-pot wonder is not only quick and easy but also customizable with simple pantry staples. Whether you're craving a classic Italian-inspired dinner or need a reliable, flavorful recipe in a pinch, this pasta favorite will satisfy every time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste, stirring to combine. Season with oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the seasoning.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Serve the meat sauce and shells warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if using.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3230 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 148.7 g | 191% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.9 g | 294% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 396 mg | 132% | |
| Sodium | 4580 mg | 199% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 314.8 g | 114% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.3 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.1 g | ||
| Protein | 173.8 g | 348% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1638 mg | 126% | |
| Iron | 19.7 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 3941 mg | 84% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
