Description
Classic Italian-inspired Stuffed Pasta Shells combine hearty ground beef with creamy ricotta in a rich marinara sauce. Comfort meets cuisine in this crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners and weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Binding and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce (1 cup for filling, 1 cup for baking dish)
- Extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Carefully select jumbo pasta shells, ensuring they’re large enough to hold a generous filling without tearing during cooking.
- Fill a spacious pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
- Gently submerge pasta shells and cook until they reach a tender yet firm al dente consistency, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Quickly drain shells and rinse under cold water to halt cooking process, then spread on a clean kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet, creating a fragrant base for the beef mixture.
- Introduce finely chopped onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Add minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning and develop a rich, aromatic foundation.
- Incorporate ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns evenly throughout the pan.
- Drain any accumulated fat to ensure a lighter, less greasy filling.
- Infuse the meat with Italian seasoning and a splash of spaghetti sauce, creating a flavorful mixture.
- In a separate mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese with mozzarella and parmesan, creating a creamy cheese base.
- Whisk in a beaten egg to bind the cheese mixture and add richness.
- Fold the cooled beef mixture into the cheese blend, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Prepare a baking dish by coating the bottom with a thin layer of spaghetti sauce to prevent sticking.
- Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, pressing gently to create a compact filling.
- Arrange shells strategically in the baking dish, positioning them upright to hold the filling.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella and parmesan over the shells, creating a tempting cheesy topping.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective barrier during initial baking.
- Place in a preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts and becomes gloriously bubbly.
- Remove foil during the final baking moments to achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust.
- Allow the dish to rest briefly after removing from the oven, letting flavors meld and settle.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, presenting a visually appealing and aromatic meal ready to be enjoyed with accompanying sides.
Notes
- Prevent overcooking pasta shells by testing them a minute before package instructions, ensuring they remain firm enough to hold filling without falling apart.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile in the dish.
- Prep shells ahead of time by cooking and cooling them earlier in the day, which helps maintain their structural integrity and makes assembly smoother.
- Consider alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for those seeking lower-fat or vegetarian alternatives without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg