This quick and flavorful dish combines the comforting texture of pasta shells with the bold, savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, diced chiles, and aromatic spices. A vibrant tomato-based broth infused with cilantro, Rotel, and serrano chiles takes the dish to the next level, making it a satisfying one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Garnished with fresh cilantro or your favorite toppings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Mexican Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is a delicious fusion of pasta and bold Mexican flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Tender pasta shells are toasted to perfection, then simmered in a rich, flavorful broth with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, chilies, and aromatic spices. It’s a one-pan dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with a spicy kick. Customize it with your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours!

Key Ingredients

Ground Beef: Provides a hearty base for the dish with rich, savory flavor.

Pasta Shells: Medium-sized shells toast beautifully and soak up the flavorful broth.

Serrano Chiles: Add a spicy kick that complements the other ingredients. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.

Bouillon (Chicken and Tomato): Granulated bouillon creates a deeply flavorful broth that enhances every bite.

Rotel (Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies): A can of Rotel brings a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

Cilantro: Fresh and fragrant, it adds brightness and a hint of citrus to balance the spices.

Sazon and Bay Leaf: These seasonings infuse the dish with layers of earthy, savory depth.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the Beef:
Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet and begin to brown it.
Season:
Stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Sazon Perfecta seasoning.
Finish Browning:
Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Drain:
Drain the excess grease from the skillet and set the cooked beef aside.

Step 2: Brown the Pasta Shells

Heat Oil:
In a deep skillet, heat ¼ cup of oil over medium-high heat.
Add Pasta Shells:
Pour in 2 cups of uncooked pasta shells.
Stir and Brown:
Stir continuously until the shells are golden brown. This step enhances their flavor.

Step 3: Combine Beef and Pasta

Combine:
Add the drained ground beef back into the skillet with the browned pasta shells.
Stir:
Mix the beef and pasta together until well combined.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add Liquid:
Pour in 4 cups of water to the skillet.
Add Bouillon:
Stir in 2 tablespoons of Knorr chicken bouillon and 4 tablespoons of Knorr tomato bouillon.
Include Veggies and Seasonings:
Add 2 diced serrano chiles, ½ cup of chopped onion, and 1 can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies).
Sprinkle in a handful of chopped cilantro.
Add garlic powder and onion powder to taste.
Mix in 2 packets of red Sazon seasoning.
Bay Leaf:
Add 1 bay leaf to the skillet for added depth of flavor.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Combine Ingredients:
Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Cook:
Cover the skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Check for Doneness:
Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove Bay Leaf:
Discard the bay leaf before serving.
Garnish:
Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra chopped cilantro if desired.
Optional Toppings:
Pair with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Enjoy:
Dig into this hearty, flavorful Mexican-inspired dish!

Serving Suggestions

This Mexican pasta dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with these sides and toppings:

Toppings: Shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette complements the hearty flavors.
Tortilla Chips: Serve with chips and guacamole or salsa for a crunchy side.
Beans: Add a side of refried beans or black beans for extra protein and texture.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until warmed through.
Freezing: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or black beans.
Cheesy Pasta: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the final minutes of cooking for a creamy, cheesy version.
Extra Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Low-Carb Swap: Substitute the pasta shells with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly twist.
Chicken Option: Swap the ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken for a lighter variation.

Conclusion

This Easy Mexican Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is the perfect blend of bold, zesty flavors and comforting pasta goodness. With its one-pan simplicity, rich seasonings, and endless topping possibilities, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or looking to spice up your weeknight meals, this recipe has got you covered. Grab your skillet and dig into this fiesta of flavors!