Description of this recipe: Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells are a comforting and hearty Italian-American classic. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan, then baked in a rich tomato sauce until bubbly and golden brown. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or any occasion where you want to impress with a delicious and satisfying meal.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Comfort Food at its Finest: This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors and textures you crave in a pasta dish. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful meat filling, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to adapt this recipe to your preferences. Add vegetables to the filling, use different cheeses, or swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage.
- Great for Making Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to eat. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is always a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling satisfied.
- Freezable: Leftovers freeze well, making this a great option for meal prepping or having a ready-to-go dinner on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
- Cooking spray
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, egg, ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce (about 1 cup) evenly over the bottom of the dish.
Step 5: Fill the pasta shells: Using a tablespoon, fill each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Top with sauce and cheese: Spoon the remaining pasta sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 7: Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the shells are heated through. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
Step 8: Let rest: Let the baked stuffed shells stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Medium
- Flavor: Savory, cheesy, and comforting
- Overall Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta shells, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a good quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- To prevent the shells from drying out during baking, make sure they are well covered with sauce.
- For a richer flavor, add a dollop of pesto to each filled shell before baking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat mixture. Sauté them until tender before mixing with the other ingredients.
Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will satisfy your cravings for comforting Italian-American cuisine. With its flavorful meat filling, creamy cheese, and rich tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a special celebration, Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. This recipe is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most comforting and memorable. Enjoy!
Q&A about this recipe:
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure the shells are heated through.
Q2: Can I freeze leftover Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells?
A: Yes, this dish freezes very well. Allow the baked shells to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the shells in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly different.
Q3: Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute Italian sausage for ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to remove the sausage from its casings before cooking. You can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference. The flavor will be slightly different, but equally delicious.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the filling is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some good options include spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and onions. Sauté the vegetables until tender before adding them to the meat and cheese mixture.
Q5: What kind of pasta sauce should I use?
A: You can use any kind of pasta sauce that you like in this recipe. A classic marinara sauce is a good choice, but you can also use a meat sauce, a vegetable sauce, or even a creamy tomato sauce. If you’re using a store-bought sauce, look for one that is low in sodium and sugar. You can also make your own pasta sauce from scratch using canned tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
