Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells

The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory beef wafts through the kitchen as you prepare to dive into a plate of hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells. Imagine each shell cradling a rich filling that is both comforting and indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that makes your belly sing and your heart do a happy little dance.

Now picture this: it’s a chilly Friday evening, and your family gathers around the table after a long week. You’re not just serving dinner; you’re dishing out love and nostalgia with every bite of these delectable shells. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it part of your weekly rotation.

I remember the first time I made these hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells for my family; the kids couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Pasta Shells: Opt for jumbo-sized shells; they hold the filling beautifully and create a delightful bite.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for the stuffing to keep it flavorful without being too greasy.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness and balances out the meatiness perfectly.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A must-have for topping; it melts beautifully and provides that gooey texture we crave.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some grated parmesan on top for an extra layer of flavor that elevates this dish.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic will infuse your filling with aromatic goodness that pairs well with ground beef.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs brings warmth and depth to the stuffing mix.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce as the base for this recipe.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off this scrumptious dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the large pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary, then add minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant.

Create the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked beef with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined; it should be creamy yet substantial.

Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take each cooked shell and generously fill it with the meat mixture using a spoon or piping bag—don’t be shy

Prepare for Baking: Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed shells in rows over sauce, then pour remaining marinara on top before sprinkling remaining mozzarella cheese evenly.

Bake: Cover the dish with foil (to avoid drying out) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil during final 10 minutes for golden brown cheese perfection.

Once done baking, let these beauties cool slightly before sprinkling fresh parsley on top. Grab a fork because it’s finally time to dig in

These hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells are more than just food; they’re love served on a plate Enjoy each bite while reminiscing about those cozy family gatherings they remind you of.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta shells until al dente while browning the beef with onions. This multitasking approach saves time and ensures everything is ready simultaneously.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Seasonings can also be adjusted based on your taste preferences to make the dish uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until heated through, ensuring gooey cheese remains delightful.

Cooking these hearty beef-stuffed pasta shells reminds me of family gatherings where everyone devours them within minutes, leaving only crumbs behind and my heart full.

FAQ

Can I prepare Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them earlier and refrigerate before baking for convenience.

What can I substitute for ground beef in this recipe?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils work well as fantastic alternatives.

How do I ensure my stuffed pasta shells don’t stick together?

Toss cooked shells in a bit of olive oil before stuffing to prevent sticking.

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Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells

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Hearty Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are a comforting dish filled with savory ground beef and creamy cheeses, all topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic and Italian seasoning; sauté until fragrant.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked beef with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, salt, and pepper.
4. Generously fill each pasta shell with the beef mixture.
5. Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in the dish, cover with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil during the last 10 minutes for a golden top.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approx. 250g)
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the filling. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if desired.