Mexican Pasta Shells with Ground Beef (Easy One-Pot Shells Recipe)

This Mexican Pasta Shells with Ground Beef recipe is bold, comforting, and full of savory flavor. Tender pasta shells cook in a rich tomato-chile broth with seasoned ground beef, onion, garlic, and fresh cilantro for a simple one-pot meal the whole family will love.

Inspired by classic Latin home cooking, this hearty pasta dish combines pantry ingredients and vibrant spices to create a satisfying dinner that’s both budget-friendly and easy to make. If you’re looking for a quick ground beef pasta recipe with Mexican flavor, this one belongs on your weekly menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

 Easy one-pot dinner idea
 Packed with bold, savory flavor
 Budget-friendly family meal
 Perfect weeknight comfort food
 Customizable spice level
 Ready in about 30 minutes

The pasta shells absorb the seasoned broth while cooking, creating a rich and deeply flavorful dish without needing a separate sauce.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Black pepper, to taste

• Sazón Perfecta seasoning, to taste

• 2 cups medium pasta shells

• ¼ cup oil

• 4 cups water

• 2 tablespoons granulated Knorr chicken bouillon

• 4 tablespoons granulated Knorr tomato bouillon

• 3 serrano chiles, diced

• ½ onion, chopped

• 1 can Ro‑Tel tomatoes with chiles

• A handful fresh cilantro, chopped

• Garlic powder and onion powder, to taste

• 2 packets red sazón seasoning

• 1 bay leaf

How to Make Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with:

• minced garlic

• black pepper

• sazón perfecta seasoning

Cook until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease and set aside.

2. Brown the Pasta Shells

In a deep skillet or pot, heat the oil over medium heat.

Add the dry pasta shells and cook, stirring often, until lightly golden — similar to browning rice for a classic rice dish. This step adds extra flavor and texture.

3. Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked ground beef to the browned pasta shells.

Stir in:

• water

• chicken bouillon

• tomato bouillon

• diced serrano chiles

• chopped onion

• canned tomatoes with chiles

• chopped cilantro

• red sazón seasoning

• bay leaf

• garlic and onion powder

Mix well to combine.

4. Simmer

Cover and cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until:

 pasta shells are al dente
 liquid is mostly absorbed
 flavors are fully blended

This usually takes about 12–15 minutes.

5. Serve

Remove the bay leaf and serve immediately while warm.

Optional toppings:

 shredded cheese
 sliced avocado
 fresh lime wedges
 extra cilantro

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Pasta Shells

 Brown pasta carefully to avoid burning
 Adjust chile amount for desired spice level
 Stir occasionally so pasta cooks evenly
 Let dish rest a few minutes to thicken

Easy Variations

Make this one-pot pasta your own:

• Add corn or black beans for extra texture

• Stir in cream or cheese for a creamy version

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken

• Use elbow macaroni or penne instead of shells

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze portions for up to 2 months.

Reheat:
Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Pasta Shells with Ground Beef recipe is a simple yet flavorful meal that delivers comfort and spice in every bite. With pantry staples, bold seasoning, and easy one-pot cooking, it’s perfect for busy nights when you still want a hearty homemade dinner.

Once you try this savory pasta dish, it may quickly become a go-to favorite at your table.