Shells with Bacon and Beef Sauce

Dairy Free
Health score
18%
Shells with Bacon and Beef Sauce
50 min.
8
643kcal

Suggestions

There is something truly comforting about a hearty pasta dish that delivers rich, savory flavors in every bite, and this Shells with Bacon and Beef Sauce is a masterpiece of comfort food. As a cooking enthusiast, I find great joy in creating meals that balance bold tastes with satisfying textures, and this recipe perfectly captures that essence. The combination of crispy bacon and tender ground beef creates a deep, umami-packed foundation that transforms simple tomato sauce into a luxurious, restaurant-quality topping. What makes this dish particularly appealing is its robust flavor profile, where the sweetness of the crushed tomatoes and the tang of the tomato sauce harmonize beautifully with the salty crunch of the bacon and the earthiness of the beef. The use of seashell pasta is a brilliant choice here; its ridged surface acts like a magnet for the thick, meaty sauce, ensuring that every forkful is generously coated and bursting with flavor. For those looking for a substantial meal that can easily feed a crowd, this recipe serves eight people, making it ideal for family gatherings or a cozy weekend dinner. Despite its indulgent appearance, it is surprisingly accessible, requiring only basic kitchen tools and ingredients you likely already have on hand. The preparation process is straightforward yet rewarding, allowing you to focus on the aromatic dance of garlic, onion, and sizzling meat as the sauce simmers to perfection. With a satisfying balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, this dish not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul. Whether you are craving a quick lunch or a main course that feels like a celebration, this dairy-free creation offers a delicious, satisfying experience that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • 0.5 pound bacon chopped
  • 15 ounce tomato sauce canned
  • 28 ounce canned tomatoes crushed canned
  • cloves garlic minced
  • pound ground beef 
  • tablespoon olive oil 
  • small onion chopped
  • 1.5 pounds seashell pasta 
  • servings salt to taste

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • sauce pan
  • pot

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Cook the bacon in the oil until it just begins to crisp. Stir in the onion. Cook and stir until bacon is crisp and onion is soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Remove the bacon mixture from the pan and reserve.
  3. Brown the ground beef in the saucepan; drain. Stir the bacon mixture, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the beef. Season with salt to taste. Simmer over low heat while pasta is cooking.
  4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the shell pasta, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta until cooked through but still firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes.
  5. Drain.
  6. Toss hot pasta with bacon and beef sauce to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories643kcal
Protein16.71%
Fat36.53%
Carbs46.76%

Properties

Glycemic Index
22.75
Glycemic Load
28.76
Inflammation Score
-6
Nutrition Score
23.313478236613%

Flavonoids

Isorhamnetin
0.44mg
Kaempferol
0.06mg
Myricetin
0.02mg
Quercetin
1.8mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:642.92kcal
32.15%
Fat:26.08g
40.12%
Saturated Fat:8.66g
54.14%
Carbohydrates:75.11g
25.04%
Net Carbohydrates:69.54g
25.29%
Sugar:8.91g
9.9%
Cholesterol:58.97mg
19.66%
Sodium:808.06mg
35.13%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:26.84g
53.67%
Selenium:69.07µg
98.67%
Manganese:1.06mg
52.89%
Phosphorus:341.51mg
34.15%
Vitamin B3:6.74mg
33.7%
Vitamin B6:0.6mg
30.23%
Zinc:4.32mg
28.78%
Copper:0.54mg
27.1%
Potassium:864.82mg
24.71%
Iron:4.17mg
23.17%
Vitamin B12:1.36µg
22.59%
Fiber:5.58g
22.31%
Magnesium:87.1mg
21.77%
Vitamin B1:0.27mg
18.17%
Vitamin E:2.71mg
18.06%
Vitamin C:13.85mg
16.79%
Vitamin B2:0.25mg
14.57%
Vitamin B5:1.27mg
12.66%
Folate:38.66µg
9.66%
Vitamin A:454.26IU
9.09%
Vitamin K:8.96µg
8.53%
Calcium:74.85mg
7.48%
Vitamin D:0.17µg
1.13%
Source:Allrecipes