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.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.

Step 8

Serve the meat sauce and shells warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1906.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3229.8

Total Fat 148.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 58.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 395.8mg	0%
Sodium 4579.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 314.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.3g	0%
Total Sugars 48.1g
Protein 173.8g	0%

Vitamin D 47.4IU	0%
Calcium 1638.0mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 3940.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.6%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 38.2%