Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Recipe

These Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef are a comforting and flavorful classic! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, nestled in a bed of savory meat sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy and delicious: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a creamy and flavorful filling that’s irresistible.
• Hearty and satisfying: This dish is packed with protein and flavor, thanks to the ground beef and rich tomato sauce.
• Easy to make: While it takes a bit of time, the steps are simple to follow, and the result is well worth the effort.
• Perfect for sharing: This recipe makes a generous amount, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a classic Italian-American dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells are perfect for holding a generous amount of filling.
• Ground Beef Chuck: Adds a hearty and flavorful base to the sauce.
• Yellow Onion and Garlic: Aromatic essentials that add depth and flavor to the sauce.
• Cooking Oil: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite marinara sauce, or make your own!
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
• Salt, Garlic Powder, and Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a gooey, cheesy topping.

For the Cheese Filling:

• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: The base of the creamy filling.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a gooey, cheesy texture to the filling.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the filling.
• Fresh Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the filling.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Season the filling to perfection.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling and adds richness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, being careful not to overcook them. Drain the shells in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef chuck and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce

Add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Filling

While the sauce is simmering, make the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and egg. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese filling. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer over the meat sauce in the baking dish. Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Loosely cover the baking dish with tented aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from tearing during the stuffing process.
• Drain the ground beef: Drain any excess fat from the ground beef to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the filling, such as fontina, Gruyere, or even a smoked mozzarella.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

• Family dinner: This dish is perfect for a hearty and satisfying family dinner.
• Potluck or gathering: It’s also a great dish to bring to a potluck or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the stuffed shells in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Jumbo pasta shells are traditionally used for this recipe, but you can experiment with other large pasta shapes, such as manicotti or conchiglie.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and bake them later. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

My sauce is too watery, what did I do wrong?
If your sauce is too watery, it could be that your tomatoes were too juicy or that you didn’t simmer the sauce long enough. You can try simmering the sauce uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef. I hope you enjoy it!

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