Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

In the world of comfort food, few dishes rival the satisfying experience of Hearty Beef-Stuffed Shells. This delightful recipe brings together the rich, savory flavors of ground beef, the creamy indulgence of cheeses, and the tangy goodness of marinara sauce, all enveloped in oversized pasta shells. It’s a dish that embodies warmth and satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings with friends. The beauty of Hearty Beef-Stuffed Shells lies not only in their taste but also in their convenience; they can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

Discover the comfort of Hearty Beef-Stuffed Shells, a delightful Italian recipe that combines savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tangy marinara sauce, all wrapped in oversized pasta shells. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish can be prepared in advance. The article guides you through quality ingredient selection and detailed preparation steps to ensure every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Elevate your cooking experience and impress your loved ones with this heartwarming meal.

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Ingredients

20 oversized jumbo pasta shells

1 pound ground beef

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Meat Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Stuff the Shells: Using a teaspoon or a piping bag, stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the beef and cheese mixture.

Assemble the Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent cheese from browning too quickly) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the stuffed shells from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6