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Savory Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Savory Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
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Savory Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef offers a comforting and hearty meal featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a seasoned mixture of ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Baked in a rich marinara sauce, this dish combines creamy, cheesy textures with robust tomato flavor, making it perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Sauce

  • 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
  • 3 cups quality marinara tomato sauce

Meat & Aromatics

  • 1 pound lean or medium-fat ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheeses & Seasonings

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and a pinch of additional seasoning. Stir well until the filling is creamy and evenly mixed.
  4. Stuff the Shells: Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each cooked pasta shell generously without tearing. Arrange the stuffed shells seam side up in a baking dish spread with a thin layer of tomato sauce.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; undercooking ensures the shells hold their shape after baking.
  • Use a small spoon or piping bag to neatly fill the shells without tearing.
  • Drain fat thoroughly from cooked beef to prevent soggy filling.
  • Let the dish rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor melding.
  • Generously layer tomato sauce to keep shells moist and flavorful.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed shells, ground beef, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, baked pasta, comfort food, Italian dinner

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/savory-stuffed-shells-with-ground-beef/