Keto Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is a low-carb dish that has a delicious and flavorful taste. It delivers all of the usual flavors of regular baked pasta without the high carbs. We use some ingredients such as ground beef, Parmesan, ground beef, mozzarella, keto marinara, beef broth, and keto pasta shells. The meal utilizes keto pasta shells that retain their structure and absorb the rich beef and tomato sauce. The ground beef gives depth and sharp flavor. These Keto Pasta Shells are perfect for weekdays, for lunch, and as a snack. The flavors are strong and tasty to serve as a main dish. The recipe contains simple methods to cook easily. This recipe takes only half an hour to cook completely and freezes well for up to two months.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATISTICAL OVERVIEW:
- Diet: Keto, Low Carb, Gluten-Free
- Caloric content: 390 kcal
- Course: Main Course
- Time for prep: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Size/serving: 1 cup
- Cooking mode: Stove + Oven
- Total servings: 6
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Total time: 40 minutes
TOOLS:
- Colander
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Pot for boiling keto pasta
- Measuring spoons or cups
- Knife
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- One cup of keto marinara sauce
- 8 oz keto pasta or konjac pasta shells
- One tsp of Italian seasoning
- Black pepper, 1/4 tsp.
- 1 cup of mozzarella
- Fresh basil for garnish
- 1/2 onion, medium
- One lb of ground beef
- Olive oil, 1 tbsp.
- 1/2 cup of beef broth
- Half a tsp of paprika
- Parmesan, 1/4 cup
- 3 cloves of garlic
INGREDIENT NOTES:
GROUND BEEF:
- We use ground beef 80 by 20 to add a strong flavor to keto pasta shells. Pick 90 by 10 for leaner meat, but add a little additional oil for moisture. We can use ground turkey; it also works well, and it adds a mild taste.
BEEF BROTH:
- This broth helps in making a smoother sauce. When you do not have beef broth, you can utilize chicken broth, which works as well.
KETO MARINARA:
- We select keto marinara that has low carbs without adding sugar. If you don’t want to use packaged sauces, you can swap marinara with tomato puree stirred with herbs.
PARMESAN AND MOZZARELLA:
- They both melt easily and give a perfect texture. You can replace mozzarella with provolone or a mixture of broth if you like to add a sharp flavor.
KETO PASTA SHELLS:
- Now most of the companies sell low-carb pasta that is made with lupin or konjac. You can substitute roasted spaghetti squash or steamed zucchini bits if you like whole-food options. Both are strong and can absorb sauce.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Follow the box directions to boil the keto pasta shells.
- Wash it properly and put it aside.
- Add the olive oil in the pan on a normal flame to heat up.
- Include the onion and cook continuously till it becomes tender.
- Mix in garlic and cook for half a second.
- When the ground meat is cooking, chop it up.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, pepper, salt, and paprika.
- Spread the mixture in beef broth and marinara sauce.
- Mix it properly and keep it on a normal heat for up to three to four minutes.
- After the pasta shells are cooked, add them to the sauce and carefully fold.
- Garnish the surface with Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Move to a baking tray and broil for two to three minutes, or wrap the skillet till the cheese softens.
- Sprinkle some basil and serve these pasta shells hot.
TIPS:
- To create a golden crust, you can broil the cheese topping.
- For an extra volume without including carbs, you can use mushrooms or spinach.
- Cook the beef well till brown to improve the flavor of the dish.
- Do not cook keto pasta too much, because it becomes tender rapidly.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
SALADS:
- Cucumber Feta Crunch
- Italian Garden
KETO ADD-ONS/SAUCES:
- Alfredo Dip
- Pesto Drizzle
SIDES:
- Cheesy Cauliflower Mash
- Garlic Bread Chaffles
DRINKS:
- Creamy Iced Coffee
- Basil Lemon Water
STORAGE INFORMATION:
Keep the chilled remaining in a closed vessel.
REFRIGERATION:
- Place it in the fridge for four days. Warm up on the burner or in the microwave.
FREEZING:
- Store for 50-60 days. To remove the ice, keep it in the fridge for the entire night and warm it up well.
FAQs:
How can I prepare a non-dairy version?
- You can make it by using mozzarella cheese and omitting Parmesan.
May I use veggies?
- Sure, you can add spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms, which provide a fresh taste.
Will I swap marinara for tomato paste?
- Yes, you can replace marinara with tomato paste, but add herbs and thin the paste with broth.
Is Konjac pasta the best choice to choose?
- As we know, it contains low carbs, but lupin pasta has a perfect bite.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Sodium: 540 mg
No. of calories: 390 kcal
Proteins: 27 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g
Fats: 28 g
Net carbs: 5 g
One single portion: 1 cup
Total carbs: 7 g