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Get The Product!There’s nothing quite like the aroma of bubbling cheese and savory beef wafting through your kitchen. Imagine the tender pasta shells cradling a rich filling that practically begs to be devoured. This is the magic of Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells, a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly evening.
These delightful shells don’t just taste amazing; they bring back memories of cozy family dinners where laughter echoed off the walls. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, these stuffed wonders always steal the show. So grab your apron and prepare for an unforgettable flavor adventure!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish combines rich flavors into a single bite that comforts every time
- It’s straightforward to make, even for novice cooks
- The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table
- Perfect for meal prep or impressing guests at dinner parties
A memorable moment was when my son declared these pasta shells “the best food ever,” while trying to fit his mouth around one of them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Pasta Shells: Opt for jumbo-sized pasta shells to hold all that meaty goodness inside.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for flavor without excessive fat.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Marinara Sauce: A good quality marinara sauce brings everything together; homemade or store-bought works!
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for melting perfection on top.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances everything with aromatic goodness; minced is best.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a salty finish that complements the dish wonderfully.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Optional but recommended for garnish; it brightens up both flavor and presentation.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pasta Shells: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil water in a large pot and add salt before cooking those jumbo pasta shells until al dente.
Sauté Your Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef with minced garlic until no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep things light and tasty.
Add Flavor: Stir in Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Let those spices bloom as you mix them into your beef—trust me; your kitchen will smell divine!
Create Your Filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked beef with ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix thoroughly until everything is nicely blended.
Fill Those Shells: Carefully stuff each cooked shell with generous spoonfuls of that delicious filling. It’s like tucking in little pillows of joy!
Bake It Up: Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish before placing filled shells on top. Cover them with remaining sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake Until Golden: Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Now you have created an irresistible feast! Each bite delivers savory meatiness enveloped in creamy cheese—what’s not to love?
Enjoy sharing this mouthwatering dish with friends or keep it all to yourself! Either way, you’re going to savor every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are a delightful crowd-pleaser
- The savory aroma wafts through your kitchen, creating instant comfort
- Each bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a staple for family dinners or cozy gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve optimal results, start by browning the beef and onions together, then cook pasta shells separately while preparing your sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in different cheeses or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to enhance the filling’s flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a good quality ground beef for richer flavor and texture
- Make sure pasta shells are cooked al dente so they hold their shape
- Always taste the filling before stuffing to adjust seasonings as needed for maximum flavor
Sharing this recipe with my friends was a joy; they couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these stuffed shells were! Their smiles were priceless.
FAQ
Can I use turkey instead of beef for Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells?
Yes, ground turkey works well and provides a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent the pasta shells from sticking together?
Rinse cooked pasta shells under cold water immediately after draining to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking, then bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are a comforting dish filled with savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and topped with melted cheese—perfect for family dinners and satisfying comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with minced garlic; drain excess fat.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix the cooked beef with ricotta and half of the mozzarella until well combined.
- Stuff each shell generously with the beef mixture. Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish; arrange filled shells on top.
- Cover shells with remaining sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
