Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Delight Recipe

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- 20 jumbo pasta shells - 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated To make the best stuffed shells with ground beef, start with jumbo pasta shells. These shells are large and perfect for holding the filling. Ground beef adds a rich flavor and protein. For the cheese, use a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. These cheeses create a creamy and cheesy filling. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - 3 cups marinara sauce Seasonings are key to tasty stuffed shells. Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Marinara sauce adds moisture and a tangy taste. Use a good quality marinara for the best results. - Fresh basil for garnish - Additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers You can customize your stuffed shells. Fresh basil adds a bright touch and flavor. Chopped spinach or diced bell peppers can boost nutrition. These add-ins make your dish unique and colorful. For the full recipe, check out the instructions in the recipe section. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Cook 20 jumbo pasta shells according to the package. Make sure they are al dente. Drain them and put them on a greased baking sheet to avoid sticking. - In a large skillet, heat over medium. Add 1 pound of ground beef, 1 small chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is clear, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any extra fat. - In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Stir in the cooked beef mixture into the cheese blend. Make sure it is well combined for maximum flavor. - Carefully fill each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Don’t overfill, but make them generous. - In a large baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce. Place the stuffed shells on top. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over them, ensuring they are covered well. - For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle more mozzarella on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This prevents the cheese from browning too fast. - Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To stuff the shells without a mess, use a small spoon. A piping bag also works well. Fill each shell until it is just full. Don't overstuff them. This keeps the filling inside while baking. For a creamy filling, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg and spices. Use fresh mozzarella for a rich taste. Blend these together until smooth. This will help the filling stay soft and delicious. Cover the baking dish with foil while it bakes. This stops the cheese from browning too fast. After 25 minutes, take off the foil. Bake for another 10 minutes to get that golden color. To ensure cheesy goodness, add extra mozzarella on top before baking. This melts into a tasty, gooey layer. For serving, place the stuffed shells on individual plates. Drizzle extra marinara sauce around each plate. This adds color and flavor. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright touch. You can also sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top. These small details make your dish look and taste great. {{image_4}} You can swap ground beef with turkey or sausage for a lighter meal. This change keeps the dish tasty while cutting down on fat. If you want to go fully vegetarian, try using mushrooms or lentils. You can also stuff the shells with spinach and ricotta for a fresh take. Both options add a nice twist and flavor. Adding spices can boost the taste. Try red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth. You might also mix in chopped bell peppers for a crunchy texture. Switching up the cheese types can change things too. Use goat cheese for tang or feta for a salty kick. These small tweaks can make your dish unique and exciting. If you’re short on time, use an Instant Pot. Just layer the shells and sauce, and let it work its magic. A slow cooker is great for a set-and-forget meal. Simply combine everything and let it cook low and slow. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Stuff the shells, cover them with sauce, and freeze before baking. This way, you can enjoy a homemade meal anytime. To store your stuffed shells, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze stuffed shells both before and after baking. If you freeze them before baking, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Then, pack them in a freezer-safe bag. If they are baked, allow them to cool completely before freezing. For the best taste, use them within three months. When it comes to reheating, you can use a microwave or an oven. The oven gives the best results, keeping the shells crispy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the shells. This helps keep them from drying out. Remember to be gentle when handling the shells, so they stay intact. For more details on making these stuffed shells, refer to the Full Recipe. Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffed shells up to a day before. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. What can I serve with stuffed shells? Stuffed shells pair well with a simple salad. A green salad with vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. Why did my stuffed shells break? Stuffed shells may break if they are overcooked. Cook the shells until they are just al dente. Also, be gentle when handling them. How do I keep the filling from leaking out? Make sure to fill the shells carefully. Overstuffing can cause leaks. Also, cover the shells with sauce before baking. This keeps the filling moist and secure. Are stuffed shells healthy? Stuffed shells can be part of a balanced diet. They provide carbs from pasta, protein from beef, and calcium from cheese. However, watch your portion size. Can I make a gluten-free version? Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta shells. Most fillings are already gluten-free. Always check your sauce and cheese labels to ensure they match your needs. Stuffed shells are a fun and tasty dish. We covered the key ingredients like jumbo pasta, ground beef, and different cheeses. You learned how to prepare, fill, and bake them perfectly. Tips for storing and reheating help you enjoy leftovers later. You can even try variations to fit your taste. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Enjoy the process and share your stuffed shells with family and friends. Happy cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to impress your family with a delicious meal? My Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Delight Recipe will do just that! This dish combines jumbo pasta shells, savory ground beef, tasty cheese, and rich marinara sauce. Follow my easy steps to create a mouthwatering dinner that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

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Ingredients

Key Ingredients Needed

– 20 jumbo pasta shells

– 1 pound ground beef

– 1 cup ricotta cheese

– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

– 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

To make the best stuffed shells with ground beef, start with jumbo pasta shells. These shells are large and perfect for holding the filling. Ground beef adds a rich flavor and protein. For the cheese, use a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. These cheeses create a creamy and cheesy filling.

Essential Seasonings and Sauces

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– 3 cups marinara sauce

Seasonings are key to tasty stuffed shells. Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Marinara sauce adds moisture and a tangy taste. Use a good quality marinara for the best results.

Optional Add-Ins

– Fresh basil for garnish

– Additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers

You can customize your stuffed shells. Fresh basil adds a bright touch and flavor. Chopped spinach or diced bell peppers can boost nutrition. These add-ins make your dish unique and colorful. For the full recipe, check out the instructions in the recipe section.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking.

– Cook 20 jumbo pasta shells according to the package. Make sure they are al dente. Drain them and put them on a greased baking sheet to avoid sticking.

Cooking the Filling

– In a large skillet, heat over medium. Add 1 pound of ground beef, 1 small chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is clear, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any extra fat.

– In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

– Stir in the cooked beef mixture into the cheese blend. Make sure it is well combined for maximum flavor.

Assembling and Baking

– Carefully fill each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Don’t overfill, but make them generous.

– In a large baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce. Place the stuffed shells on top. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over them, ensuring they are covered well.

– For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle more mozzarella on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This prevents the cheese from browning too fast.

– Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

– Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch.

For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Stuffed Shells

To stuff the shells without a mess, use a small spoon. A piping bag also works well. Fill each shell until it is just full. Don’t overstuff them. This keeps the filling inside while baking.

For a creamy filling, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg and spices. Use fresh mozzarella for a rich taste. Blend these together until smooth. This will help the filling stay soft and delicious.

Baking Tips

Cover the baking dish with foil while it bakes. This stops the cheese from browning too fast. After 25 minutes, take off the foil. Bake for another 10 minutes to get that golden color.

To ensure cheesy goodness, add extra mozzarella on top before baking. This melts into a tasty, gooey layer.

Presentation Ideas

For serving, place the stuffed shells on individual plates. Drizzle extra marinara sauce around each plate. This adds color and flavor.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright touch. You can also sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top. These small details make your dish look and taste great.

Variations

Meatless Options

You can swap ground beef with turkey or sausage for a lighter meal. This change keeps the dish tasty while cutting down on fat. If you want to go fully vegetarian, try using mushrooms or lentils. You can also stuff the shells with spinach and ricotta for a fresh take. Both options add a nice twist and flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding spices can boost the taste. Try red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth. You might also mix in chopped bell peppers for a crunchy texture. Switching up the cheese types can change things too. Use goat cheese for tang or feta for a salty kick. These small tweaks can make your dish unique and exciting.

Cooking Methods

If you’re short on time, use an Instant Pot. Just layer the shells and sauce, and let it work its magic. A slow cooker is great for a set-and-forget meal. Simply combine everything and let it cook low and slow. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Stuff the shells, cover them with sauce, and freeze before baking. This way, you can enjoy a homemade meal anytime.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store your stuffed shells, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze stuffed shells both before and after baking. If you freeze them before baking, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Then, pack them in a freezer-safe bag. If they are baked, allow them to cool completely before freezing. For the best taste, use them within three months.

Reheating Tips

When it comes to reheating, you can use a microwave or an oven. The oven gives the best results, keeping the shells crispy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the shells. This helps keep them from drying out. Remember to be gentle when handling the shells, so they stay intact.

For more details on making these stuffed shells, refer to the Full Recipe.

FAQs

Common Questions About Stuffed Shells

Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffed shells up to a day before. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with stuffed shells?

Stuffed shells pair well with a simple salad. A green salad with vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.

Troubleshooting

Why did my stuffed shells break?

Stuffed shells may break if they are overcooked. Cook the shells until they are just al dente. Also, be gentle when handling them.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to fill the shells carefully. Overstuffing can cause leaks. Also, cover the shells with sauce before baking. This keeps the filling moist and secure.

Nutritional Information

Are stuffed shells healthy?

Stuffed shells can be part of a balanced diet. They provide carbs from pasta, protein from beef, and calcium from cheese. However, watch your portion size.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta shells. Most fillings are already gluten-free. Always check your sauce and cheese labels to ensure they match your needs.

Stuffed shells are a fun and tasty dish. We covered the key ingredients like jumbo pasta, ground beef, and different cheeses. You learned how to prepare, fill, and bake them perfectly. Tips for storing and reheating help you enjoy leftovers later. You can even try variations to fit your taste.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Enjoy the process and share your stuffed shells with family and friends. Happy cooking!

- 20 jumbo pasta shells - 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated To make the best stuffed shells with ground beef, start with jumbo pasta shells. These shells are large and perfect for holding the filling. Ground beef adds a rich flavor and protein. For the cheese, use a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. These cheeses create a creamy and cheesy filling. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - 3 cups marinara sauce Seasonings are key to tasty stuffed shells. Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Marinara sauce adds moisture and a tangy taste. Use a good quality marinara for the best results. - Fresh basil for garnish - Additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers You can customize your stuffed shells. Fresh basil adds a bright touch and flavor. Chopped spinach or diced bell peppers can boost nutrition. These add-ins make your dish unique and colorful. For the full recipe, check out the instructions in the recipe section. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Cook 20 jumbo pasta shells according to the package. Make sure they are al dente. Drain them and put them on a greased baking sheet to avoid sticking. - In a large skillet, heat over medium. Add 1 pound of ground beef, 1 small chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is clear, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any extra fat. - In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Stir in the cooked beef mixture into the cheese blend. Make sure it is well combined for maximum flavor. - Carefully fill each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Don’t overfill, but make them generous. - In a large baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce. Place the stuffed shells on top. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over them, ensuring they are covered well. - For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle more mozzarella on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This prevents the cheese from browning too fast. - Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To stuff the shells without a mess, use a small spoon. A piping bag also works well. Fill each shell until it is just full. Don't overstuff them. This keeps the filling inside while baking. For a creamy filling, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg and spices. Use fresh mozzarella for a rich taste. Blend these together until smooth. This will help the filling stay soft and delicious. Cover the baking dish with foil while it bakes. This stops the cheese from browning too fast. After 25 minutes, take off the foil. Bake for another 10 minutes to get that golden color. To ensure cheesy goodness, add extra mozzarella on top before baking. This melts into a tasty, gooey layer. For serving, place the stuffed shells on individual plates. Drizzle extra marinara sauce around each plate. This adds color and flavor. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright touch. You can also sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top. These small details make your dish look and taste great. {{image_4}} You can swap ground beef with turkey or sausage for a lighter meal. This change keeps the dish tasty while cutting down on fat. If you want to go fully vegetarian, try using mushrooms or lentils. You can also stuff the shells with spinach and ricotta for a fresh take. Both options add a nice twist and flavor. Adding spices can boost the taste. Try red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth. You might also mix in chopped bell peppers for a crunchy texture. Switching up the cheese types can change things too. Use goat cheese for tang or feta for a salty kick. These small tweaks can make your dish unique and exciting. If you’re short on time, use an Instant Pot. Just layer the shells and sauce, and let it work its magic. A slow cooker is great for a set-and-forget meal. Simply combine everything and let it cook low and slow. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Stuff the shells, cover them with sauce, and freeze before baking. This way, you can enjoy a homemade meal anytime. To store your stuffed shells, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze stuffed shells both before and after baking. If you freeze them before baking, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Then, pack them in a freezer-safe bag. If they are baked, allow them to cool completely before freezing. For the best taste, use them within three months. When it comes to reheating, you can use a microwave or an oven. The oven gives the best results, keeping the shells crispy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the shells. This helps keep them from drying out. Remember to be gentle when handling the shells, so they stay intact. For more details on making these stuffed shells, refer to the Full Recipe. Can I make stuffed shells ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffed shells up to a day before. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. What can I serve with stuffed shells? Stuffed shells pair well with a simple salad. A green salad with vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. Why did my stuffed shells break? Stuffed shells may break if they are overcooked. Cook the shells until they are just al dente. Also, be gentle when handling them. How do I keep the filling from leaking out? Make sure to fill the shells carefully. Overstuffing can cause leaks. Also, cover the shells with sauce before baking. This keeps the filling moist and secure. Are stuffed shells healthy? Stuffed shells can be part of a balanced diet. They provide carbs from pasta, protein from beef, and calcium from cheese. However, watch your portion size. Can I make a gluten-free version? Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta shells. Most fillings are already gluten-free. Always check your sauce and cheese labels to ensure they match your needs. Stuffed shells are a fun and tasty dish. We covered the key ingredients like jumbo pasta, ground beef, and different cheeses. You learned how to prepare, fill, and bake them perfectly. Tips for storing and reheating help you enjoy leftovers later. You can even try variations to fit your taste. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Enjoy the process and share your stuffed shells with family and friends. Happy cooking!

Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Savor the delightful flavors of cheesy beefy shells with this easy and mouthwatering recipe! Stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and seasoned beef, these jumbo pasta shells are baked in rich marinara sauce for a comforting meal everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy get-together, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and create your own cheesy beefy shells delight!
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Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 large egg

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 cups marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to properly bake the shells later.

    Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.

      In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion becomes translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

        In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, the egg, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

          Add the seasoned beef mixture from the skillet into the cheese mixture, stirring well to combine the flavors thoroughly.

            Gently fill each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the beef and cheese mixture, ensuring they are well-stuffed.

              In a large baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Carefully arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are well covered to keep them moist during baking.

                To enhance the cheesy flavor, sprinkle an additional amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauced shells.

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

                    Once finished baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: Plate the cheesy beefy shells on individual plates, drizzling extra marinara sauce around the sides and top with additional fresh basil for a vibrant presentation.

                          WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?