Description
Indulgent Stuffed Shells bring classic Italian comfort to dinner tables with creamy ricotta and rich marinara sauce. Cheesy pasta pockets deliver pure satisfaction that keeps families coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12–15 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meat and Vegetables:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Garnish:
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal cooking environment.
- Immerse pasta shells in boiling water, cooking until tender according to package guidance. Carefully drain and set aside.
- In a robust skillet, transform ground beef into crispy, golden fragments, methodically breaking down larger pieces. Eliminate excess fat through thorough draining.
- Introduce finely diced onions and aromatic garlic into the beef-filled skillet, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Merge the seasoned beef mixture with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and a whisked egg in a spacious mixing vessel. Thoroughly incorporate all components.
- Gently cradle each pasta shell with the robust meat-cheese fusion, strategically positioning them within a prepared baking dish.
- Cascade marinara sauce generously over the assembled shells, then lavish with an additional sprinkle of mozzarella for extra indulgence.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then nestle into the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Unveil the foil and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching for molten, bubbling cheese and golden edges.
- Extract from the oven and let rest briefly. Optionally, garnish with vibrant, freshly chopped basil for a burst of herbal freshness.
- Serve immediately, presenting a comforting, cheese-laden masterpiece.
Notes
- Drain pasta shells thoroughly to prevent watery filling and ensure the shells maintain their shape during baking.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
- Consider mixing different cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a more complex and rich flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based meat alternatives to keep the protein content high.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg