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Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 103 reviews

Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta is a hearty and comforting Italian-American dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mix of ground beef, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, baked in rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This easy recipe combines robust flavors with creamy textures for a perfect family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound jumbo pasta shells

Beef Mixture

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce, divided

Cheese Filling

  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil salted water and cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 2 minutes to keep them al dente. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain again and arrange shells on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Prepare Beef Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook while breaking it up with a spoon until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess grease. Mix in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Pour in half the jar of marinara sauce and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  3. Make Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir until blended and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Stuff Shells: Carefully open each cooked pasta shell and fill liberally with the beef mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a lightly greased baking dish in a single layer.
  6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and additional grated Parmesan over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  7. Bake: Bake covered for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown.
  8. Rest and Serve: Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Notes

  • Reducing the pasta cooking time ensures shells remain firm enough to hold stuffing without falling apart.
  • Cooling the beef mixture slightly before combining with cheese prevents the cheese from melting too early.
  • Covering the baking dish while baking keeps the shells moist and ensures even cooking.
  • Resting the dish post-baking allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
  • Additional herbs like fresh basil can enhance the flavor as garnish.

Keywords: beef stuffed shells, pasta recipe, Italian casserole, baked pasta, comfort food, ricotta filled shells

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/beef-stuffed-shells-pasta-a-delicious-and-easy-recipe/