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Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

This Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta recipe combines tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory ground beef mixture, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked in a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delicious Italian-inspired meal with a homemade touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Beef Mixture

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Filling

  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Topping

  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions, reducing the time by 2 minutes to achieve an al dente texture. Drain the shells and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and arrange the shells on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until fully browned. Drain excess grease from the pan. Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Pour in half of the marinara sauce, reduce heat, and let simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Make the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the lightly beaten egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently open each cooked pasta shell and spoon a generous amount of the prepared beef mixture into each one. Place the stuffed shells carefully into a lightly greased baking dish arranged in a single layer.
  5. Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the filled shells. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and additional grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
  6. Bake the Dish: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the baked shells from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm alongside a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage.
  • If preferred, substitute fresh herbs for dried oregano and basil.
  • To make this dish ahead, assemble stuffed shells and freeze them before baking; bake covered from frozen, adding extra baking time.
  • Use part-skim ricotta cheese to reduce fat content.
  • Be careful not to overcook pasta shells, as they will continue cooking in the oven and may become mushy.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stuffed shells, pasta recipe, baked pasta shells, Italian stuffed shells, ground beef pasta, easy family dinner

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/beef-stuffed-shells-pasta-a-delicious-and-easy-recipe/