Thereβs something magical about stuffed shells with ground beef. Picture this: tender pasta shells cradling a savory, cheesy filling that practically dances on your taste buds. With every bite, the rich flavors burst forth, and the aroma will have everyone gathering around the dinner table faster than you can say βfettuccine.β
This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in with friends. I still remember my first time making stuffed shells; it was a culinary adventure that transformed our living room into an Italian trattoria, complete with laughter and questionable accents. But trust me, the anticipation of indulging in these delicious bites is worth every moment spent in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Stuffed shells with ground beef are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a weeknight go-to
- These flavorful delights look stunning on any dinner plate, impressing even the pickiest eaters
- Versatility shines through as you can customize fillings based on your preferences or whatβs left in your fridge
- The comforting aroma while baking will make everyone feel right at home
My familyβs reaction was pricelessβthe kids thought they were eating βpasta tacos,β and letβs just say there were no leftovers that night!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for large shells that can hold all the goodness inside without falling apart.
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep it flavorful but not too greasy.
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Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness; opt for whole milk ricotta for the best flavor.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A must-have for that gooey texture; you canβt go wrong with generous amounts.
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Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; it ties all flavors together beautifully.
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Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshnessβplus, it makes you look like a pro.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives an irresistible salty kickβdonβt skip this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Cook the Pasta Shells: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once bubbling like a hot spring, cook the jumbo pasta shells for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
SautΓ© the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Create the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan. Stir until well blendedβthis is where your kitchen starts smelling heavenly.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9Γ13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Stuff Those Shells!: Gently fill each pasta shell with your cheesy mixture using a spoon or piping bag if youβre feeling fancy. Place them seam-side up in your prepared baking dish like little soldiers ready for battle.
Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells generously and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil to keep moisture in during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes for extra cheesiness.
Enjoy these delightful stuffed shells with ground beef straight from the oven! You might want to grab some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauceβtrust me; itβs essential!
And there you have it! A comforting meal thatβs sure to impress without taking hours in the kitchen! Donβt forget to take pictures before devouring it allβyour social media followers deserve to see those cheesy goodness-filled shells!
You Must Know
- This stuffed shells with ground beef recipe is a crowd-pleaser; cheesy, savory, and perfect for gatherings
- The delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone eager to dig in
- Plus, itβs a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef, then cook the pasta while preparing the sauce. This method saves time and ensures everything is hot and ready when you assemble your stuffed shells.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add sautΓ©ed spinach for extra flavor. Experimenting with different cheeses can also elevate your dish to gourmet status!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350Β°F until heated through, ensuring cheese remains gooey and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a creamier filling, mix in some ricotta cheese with your ground beef
- Donβt overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will bake further
- Always taste your sauce; adjusting seasoning can make a world of difference!
Sharing this recipe brings back fond memories of family dinners where laughter echoed around the table while we savored every bite of these stuffed shells.
FAQ
Can I prepare stuffed shells with ground beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate before baking for later use.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works well as healthier alternatives with great flavor.
How do I prevent stuffed shells from sticking together?
Drizzle a little olive oil on cooked pasta to keep them separate before filling.
Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Stuffed shells with ground beef are a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all smothered in marinara sauce and baked to perfection. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, itβs sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 Β½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (divided)
- ΒΌ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ΒΌ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water; cook the jumbo pasta shells for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix cooked beef, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, parsley, and Parmesan until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the filling and place seam-side up in the dish.
- Pour remaining marinara over the stuffed shells and top with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes; remove foil during the last 10 minutes for extra cheesiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Incorporate sautΓ©ed spinach or other vegetables into the filling for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently in the oven.