Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a hearty, comforting dinner. The tender pasta shells are filled with a delicious filling, typically made with cheese and meat, and then topped with a flavorful marinara sauce. This recipe for stuffed shells with ground beef is a delicious and easy-to-make version of the classic dish.
Ingredients :
-1 pound ground beef
-1 onion, diced
-2 cloves of garlic, minced
-1 jar of marinara sauce
-1 cup of ricotta cheese
-1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
-1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
-1 egg
-1 teaspoon of dried basil
-1 teaspoon of dried oregano
-1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
-Salt and pepper, to taste
-20 jumbo pasta shells
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
- Add the jar of marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well.
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, then drain them and let them cool.
- Once the pasta shells have cooled, stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and pour the meat sauce over them.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the shells.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it will serve 4-6 people and it’s easy to double or triple the recipe if you’re serving a crowd. You can also make it in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
To make this recipe even more delicious and satisfying, you can add some vegetables like diced bell pepper or spinach to the meat sauce, or you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to add a different flavor to the stuffing.
In conclusion, Stuffed shells are a comforting and delicious dinner option that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this recipe of stuffed shells with ground beef is a perfect example of it. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.
