There’s something utterly delightful about stuffed shells with ground beef that makes my heart do a happy dance. Picture this: tender pasta shells cradling a savory mixture of seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella bubbling away in a rich tomato sauce. Just the thought of it can make even the most mundane day feel like a festival of flavors. You know, that moment when your house fills with the aromatic embrace of garlic and herbs? It’s enough to make anyone weak in the knees.
If you’re like me, you probably have fond memories of family gatherings where everyone fought over who got the last shell. This dish has a way of bringing people together, whether it’s for Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal. The anticipation builds as you pull it from the oven, revealing golden edges and a melty cheese top that could make even the most committed salad lover reconsider their choices. Trust me; this recipe is about to become your go-to comfort food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Stuffed shells with ground beef are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying
- Their vibrant appearance makes them perfect for impressing guests or enjoying with family
- This dish is highly versatile; you can easily swap out meats or add veggies based on your preferences
- Plus, they reheat beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to!
I still remember the first time I made stuffed shells for my friends. They devoured every bite and declared me a culinary genius—little did they know how easy it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large pasta shells are perfect for holding all that delicious filling inside.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; opt for whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This gooey cheese will melt beautifully on top; feel free to add more if you’re feeling indulgent.
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality store-bought sauce works wonders or use homemade for an extra personal touch.
Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil brightens up the flavors and adds a lovely aroma; dried basil works in a pinch too.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for adding depth and flavor; it’s hard to go wrong with garlic!
Onion: A finely chopped onion enhances sweetness as it caramelizes during cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan brings out umami flavors and adds an extra layer of cheesiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Pasta Shells: Start by boiling water in a large pot and adding salt once it reaches a rolling boil. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Create the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked beef mixture with ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined; taste-test for seasoning!
Stuff Those Shells!: Using a spoon (or your hands if you’re feeling adventurous), fill each pasta shell generously with the beef-and-cheese mixture. Place stuffed shells upright in a baking dish coated with marinara sauce at the bottom.
Add More Sauce and Cheese!: Once all shells are filled, cover them generously with remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle leftover mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for that glorious cheesy crust.
Bake Until Golden Brown!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil in the last 10 minutes to let cheese get bubbly and golden brown.
Now you can take a moment to reflect on your culinary masterpiece while inhaling every heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen! Let it cool slightly before serving so you don’t burn your mouth on that delicious goodness.
Enjoy your stuffed shells with ground beef straight from the oven or pair them with garlic bread and a side salad for an unforgettable meal experience!
You Must Know
- Stuffed shells with ground beef are a comforting classic, bursting with flavor
- The combination of creamy cheese and savory beef creates a delightful experience
- This dish is not just filling; it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the ground beef with onions and garlic for maximum flavor. While the beef is browning, boil your pasta shells until al dente, then drain and cool them slightly to avoid burns.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. You can also play around with different cheeses or add spinach for extra nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, keeping that cheesy goodness intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to elevate flavors significantly
- Ensure your pasta shells are not overcooked; they should be firm enough to hold filling
- Don’t skimp on sauce; it adds moisture and enhances taste
Sharing stuffed shells with ground beef always brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and love, where everyone would fight over the last shell.
FAQ
Can I prepare stuffed shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I serve with stuffed shells?
A side salad or garlic bread complements stuffed shells perfectly, adding freshness.
How can I make these vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
Stuffed shells with ground beef are a comforting classic that combines tender pasta with a savory filling of seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, as it’s easy to prepare and leaves everyone wanting more. The rich tomato sauce and aromatic herbs enhance its flavor, making it an unforgettable meal. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delicious recipe!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta shells: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the jumbo shells until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and ground beef; cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the shells: Fill each shell generously with the beef-and-cheese mixture. Arrange them upright in a baking dish coated with marinara sauce.
- Top and bake: Cover stuffed shells with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes; uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: <0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
