This beef stuffed shells recipe options jumbo pasta shells full of a savory combination of floor beef, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning, all topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to perfection, this comforting pasta dish is right for household dinners or particular events. It’s a hearty meal that mixes wealthy flavors and tacky goodness. For those who love Italian recipes and stuffed pasta dishes, this straightforward stuffed shells recipe is bound to be a success. Good for meal prep, freezable pasta recipes, or a fast weeknight dinner!
Elements
- 8 ounces jumbo pasta shells (about 32 shells)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 giant onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound floor beef
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 giant egg
- 1 (15-ounce) carton ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ cup chopped basil (plus further for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare dinner the Pasta: Deliver a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and prepare dinner in accordance with the package deal directions till al dente. Drain and rinse with chilly water to cease the cooking course of. Put aside.
- Put together the Beef Sauce: In a big skillet, warmth the olive oil over medium warmth. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, or till softened and aromatic. Add the bottom beef, Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Prepare dinner for 5-7 minutes, breaking the meat aside because it cooks, till browned. Stir within the marinara sauce, carry to a boil, then scale back the warmth and let it simmer for quarter-hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the egg, ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Combine effectively.
- Assemble the Dish: Unfold half of the meat sauce into the underside of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff every cooked pasta shell with the cheese combination and place them within the dish on high of the sauce. Spoon the remaining beef sauce over the stuffed shells and high with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cowl the baking dish with foil and bake within the preheated oven for half-hour. Take away the foil and proceed baking for a further 20 minutes, or till the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown high.
- Serve: Garnish with further chopped basil and serve scorching.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These beef stuffed shells are the final word consolation meals, combining tender jumbo pasta with a savory floor beef filling and wealthy cheese. The marinara sauce provides the proper stability of tanginess, whereas the melty layers of mozzarella and Parmesan carry gooey goodness to each chew. Whether or not you’re serving a household dinner or getting ready a dish for a special day, this stuffed shells recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Suggestions
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: You should definitely prepare dinner the pasta shells till simply al dente. Overcooking them can lead to shells that disintegrate when baking.
- Taste Enhance: For those who like a spicier kick, add some purple pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle over the completed dish.
- Make-Forward: Assemble the stuffed shells prematurely and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours earlier than baking. You too can freeze the dish for later use.
Variations and Substitutions
- Floor Turkey or Rooster: For a leaner choice, substitute the bottom beef with floor turkey or hen.
- Vegetarian Choice: Swap the meat for sautéed greens like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetarian model.
- Cheese Variations: Add different cheeses equivalent to provolone or fontina for further taste. For a creamier filling, combine in a little bit of shredded cream cheese.
FAQs
- Can I take advantage of no-boil pasta shells? Sure, no-boil shells can be utilized, however ensure so as to add a bit extra sauce to make sure the pasta softens throughout baking.
- Can I make this dish forward of time? Sure, you’ll be able to assemble the stuffed shells a day earlier than and refrigerate them till you’re able to bake.
- How do I retailer leftovers? Retailer any leftover stuffed shells in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3-4 days. Reheat within the oven or microwave.
Serving Options
- Aspect Dishes: Pair your stuffed shells with a easy facet salad or garlic bread for an entire meal.
- Wine Pairing: This dish pairs effectively with a glass of purple wine, like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, to enhance the wealthy tomato sauce.
- Further Garnish: High with contemporary basil or a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese for added taste.
Beef Stuffed Shells
Elements
-
8 ounces jumbo pasta shells (about 32 shells)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 giant onion, chopped
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 pound floor beef
-
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
-
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
-
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
-
1 giant egg
-
1 (15-ounce) carton ricotta cheese
-
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
-
¼ cup chopped basil (plus further for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare dinner the Pasta: Deliver a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and prepare dinner in accordance with the package deal directions till al dente. Drain and rinse with chilly water to cease the cooking course of. Put aside.
- Put together the Beef Sauce: In a big skillet, warmth the olive oil over medium warmth. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, or till softened and aromatic.
- Add the bottom beef, Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Prepare dinner for 5-7 minutes, breaking the meat aside because it cooks, till browned. Stir within the marinara sauce, carry to a boil, then scale back the warmth and let it simmer for quarter-hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the egg, ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Combine effectively.
- Assemble the Dish: Unfold half of the meat sauce into the underside of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff every cooked pasta shell with the cheese combination and place them within the dish on high of the sauce. Spoon the remaining beef sauce over the stuffed shells and high with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cowl the baking dish with foil and bake within the preheated oven for half-hour. Take away the foil and proceed baking for a further 20 minutes, or till the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown high.
- Serve: Garnish with further chopped basil and serve scorching.
