Looking for a delicious and comforting meal that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than Beef Stuffed Shells! These cheesy, beef-filled pasta shells are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and tangy marinara sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this hearty dish ready to bake in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of Beef Stuffed Shells ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. They reheat beautifully and taste just as delicious the next day.
Ingredient Notes:
- Jumbo pasta shells: These large pasta shells are perfect for stuffing and holding the savory beef and cheese mixture.
- Lean ground beef: Adds protein and flavor to the dish.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy and rich texture to the filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor to the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and color.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top of the shells for that gooey, cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Carefully stuff each cooked shell with the beef and ricotta mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Don’t overcook the pasta shells initially, as they will soften more during baking.
- The assembled, unbaked dish can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Allow the stuffed shells to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or basil for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Serving Suggestions:
Beef Stuffed Shells pair perfectly with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and a glass of your favorite red wine. For dessert, consider serving a light and refreshing fruit salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the cooled stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef in this recipe. - Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite brand of marinara sauce for convenience. - Can I freeze Beef Stuffed Shells before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and freeze it before baking. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Conclusion:
Beef Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food that is sure to become a family favorite. With its delicious flavors, easy preparation, and versatility, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying and hearty meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Bon appétit!
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Beef Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these delicious beef stuffed shells. Tender pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, cheeses, and herbs, baked to perfection in marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
- 24 ounces marinara sauce divided
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente, then drain.
- Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Drain off excess grease.
- Combine beef mixture with ricotta, Parmesan, egg, herbs, and seasonings.
- Stuff each shell with beef mixture and arrange in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over shells, top with mozzarella.
- Bake covered, then uncovered until bubbly and browned.
- Let stand before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated cheeses.
- Do not overcook pasta shells initially.
- Assembled dish can be refrigerated or frozen before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg