Baked Pasta Shells with Ground Beef Sauce

There is nothing quite like a large dish of Baked Pasta Shells with Ground Beef Sauce to bring warmth and comfort to the dinner table. This dish is the ultimate mash-up of cozy lasagna and simple baked ziti, delivering a rich, hearty meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead of time.

Unlike stuffed shells, which are labor-intensive, this recipe focuses on a luscious, deeply savory meat sauce that coats the pasta shells, blanketed by a gooey, melted cheese topping. It's a true classic of Italian-American cuisine, prioritizing big flavor and easy assembly.

📝 Recipe: Baked Pasta Shells with Hearty Ground Beef Sauce

This recipe builds flavor in layers, ensuring a complex and satisfying sauce.

Ingredients

For the Sauce and Pasta

• 1 pound large pasta shells (Conchiglie)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup beef broth or red wine (optional, for depth)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Cheese Layer

• 1 1/2 cups Ricotta cheese (full-fat recommended)

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions