Description
Hearty Italian-inspired Stuffed Shells with ground beef deliver a comforting blend of savory meat, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Pasta lovers will savor each cheesy, satisfying bite of this classic Mediterranean-style dish that promises warmth and deliciousness on your dinner plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
Pasta:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (225 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, ensuring an even heat distribution for optimal cooking.
- Immerse pasta shells in generously salted water, cooking until they reach a tender yet firm consistency, then carefully drain and reserve.
- Transform ground beef in a hot skillet, browning thoroughly while infusing with aromatic seasonings to enhance flavor complexity.
- Craft a luxurious filling by gently combining creamy ricotta, a whisked egg, a portion of mozzarella, aged Parmesan, fragrant parsley, and the seasoned cooked beef, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
- Delicately fill each pasta shell with the decadent meat and cheese mixture, ensuring a generous but not overflowing portion.
- Establish a flavorful foundation by spreading a vibrant marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, then artfully arrange the stuffed shells atop the sauce, cascading with the remaining sauce to ensure complete coverage.
- Crown the dish with a generous sprinkle of remaining mozzarella, promising a golden, melted cheese topping.
- Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and enticing golden-brown finish.
Notes
- Make shells al dente to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfect texture that’s not mushy or hard.
- Drain pasta shells completely and let them cool slightly before stuffing to prevent burning your hands and help mixture adhere better.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, creating a cleaner and lighter filling that won’t make the dish feel heavy.
- Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture for an extra layer of aromatic complexity that elevates the overall taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg