Stuffed shells with ground beef are the ultimate comfort food, a delightful union of tender pasta and savory filling. Imagine a warm plate filled with these little pasta pockets, bubbling with melted cheese and a rich tomato sauce that dances on your palate.
I remember the first time I made stuffed shells for my family. The aroma wafting through the house had my kids racing to the kitchen, their eyes wide with excitement. They didn’t just eat dinner that night; they devoured it, leaving me with empty plates and hearts full of joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Stuffed shells with ground beef are easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is a delicious blend of savory meat and creamy cheese
- Visually, they shine like jewels on your dinner table, inviting everyone to dig in
- Plus, you can customize the filling based on your family’s tastes or what’s in your fridge!
I recall my son’s face lighting up when he took that first cheesy bite—priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Large Pasta Shells: Look for sturdy shells that can hold up to the filling and sauce without breaking apart.
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a flavorful yet healthier option; it helps avoid excess grease.
Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh ricotta for a creamy texture; it gives the stuffing that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for maximum cheesiness and gooeyness in every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty flavor that elevates the dish’s overall taste.
Egg: A beaten egg helps bind the filling together so it doesn’t fall apart when baked.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; it adds moisture and flavor to the dish.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: Chopped herbs add freshness to the filling as well as a pop of color!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook Your Pasta Shells: Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Sauté Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary, then season with salt and pepper.
Prepare Filling Mixture: In a bowl, combine cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, beaten egg, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything blends beautifully.
Stuff Those Shells!: Take each cooled pasta shell and fill generously with the meat mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Don’t be shy; pack them in there!
Add Sauce & Cheese: Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed shells seam-side up in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle leftover mozzarella on top.
Bake to Perfection!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to let that cheesy goodness brown beautifully!
After following these steps, your kitchen will smell heavenly as those stuffed shells bubble away in all their saucy glory!
Now you can gather around the dinner table and enjoy these comforting stuffed shells with ground beef together as a family!
You Must Know
- Stuffed shells with ground beef create a comforting meal that delights the senses
- The aroma of baked cheese and seasoned meat fills your kitchen, bringing family together
- This dish is not just about flavor; it’s about making memories around the dinner table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the shells while browning the ground beef. Once cooked, stuff each shell before layering them in sauce for even baking results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or add spinach for an extra veggie boost. Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella to elevate flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring optimal texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect stuffed shells, consider using a piping bag to easily fill them without mess
- Ensure pasta is al dente; it’ll hold up better during baking
- Let the dish rest for ten minutes before serving to enhance flavors and presentation
Sharing a memorable evening when my friends devoured these stuffed shells was pure joy; their appreciative smiles made all my efforts worthwhile!
FAQ
Can I make stuffed shells with ground beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
What sauce goes best with stuffed shells?
Marinara sauce works wonderfully, but creamy alfredo also adds a rich twist.
How do I freeze unbaked stuffed shells with ground beef?
Layer unbaked shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months.
Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
Stuffed shells with ground beef are a comforting family favorite, featuring tender pasta filled with a savory mixture of seasoned meat and creamy cheeses. Baked in marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, stuffed shells are not only delicious but also customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences. Gather around the dinner table and enjoy this classic dish that brings everyone together.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil water in a large pot; cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and cool.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat; season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix cooked beef, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, beaten egg, herbs, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Stuff each shell generously with the meat mixture.
- Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish; place stuffed shells seam-side up and cover with remaining sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
