Warm, cozy, and full of homemade flavor, this Mexican-style shell soup with ground beef is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast. Tender pasta shells simmer in a rich tomato broth with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes for a comforting one-pot dinner that’s both affordable and satisfying.

This soup is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s simple to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and tastes even better the next day. Kids especially love the tiny pasta shells and savory broth, making it a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup yellow or red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
• 5 cups water
• 1 medium potato, peeled and sliced into small chunks
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup small pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until the meat is browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain the excess grease from the pot.

Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the beef. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their flavor.

Mix in the garlic, cumin, and black pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and continue cooking for another minute.

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef bouillon. Stir everything together well and let it cook for 2 minutes so the tomato paste develops a deeper flavor and richer color.

Pour in the water and stir. Add the potato pieces and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Taste the broth and add salt if needed. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

While the soup cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Pour in the pasta shells and stir constantly until they turn lightly golden brown. This step gives the pasta extra flavor and helps keep it from becoming too soft in the soup.

Add the toasted pasta shells to the soup along with the chopped cilantro. Stir well, cover, and cook for another 8–10 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Serve hot with extra cilantro on top and warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side.

Notes & Tips

• Toasting the pasta before adding it to the soup gives it a richer flavor and better texture.
• You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or corn for a heartier soup.
• If the soup thickens too much after sitting, simply add a little extra water or broth when reheating.
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving adds a bright, delicious finish.

This comforting soup is simple, budget-friendly, and packed with homemade flavor. If you try it, share it with family and friends — it’s the kind of recipe people always ask for after the first bowl!