Stuffed Pasta Shells

Why Make This Recipe

Stuffed pasta shells are a delicious and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and are always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe brings together tender pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rich cheeses, and flavorful spices, all smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a complete meal that feels special without requiring complex cooking skills.

How to Make Stuffed Pasta Shells

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. In a bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
6. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
7. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
8. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

How to Serve Stuffed Pasta Shells

These stuffed pasta shells are best served warm. You can pair them with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. If you want, add extra parmesan or fresh basil on top before serving. Enjoy with family and friends for a cozy dinner.

How to Store Stuffed Pasta Shells

Leftover stuffed pasta shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help keep the cheese nice and gooey.

Tips to Make Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
• Feel free to add sautéed vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, to the beef and cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
• You can prepare the stuffed shells a day ahead. Just keep them in the fridge before baking.

Variation

For a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute marinara sauce with a white sauce or pesto for a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze stuffed pasta shells?
Yes, stuffed pasta shells freeze well. Just assemble them in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions.

2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Using store-bought marinara sauce can save time and still deliver great flavor.

3. How long does it take to bake stuffed pasta shells?
It takes about 35 minutes to bake the stuffed pasta shells, with 25 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered to brown the cheese.

Stuffed Pasta Shells

Stuffed pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rich cheeses, and flavorful spices, all smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. A comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Pasta and Filling

• 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cheese and Sauce

• 1 cup marinara sauce Can use store-bought for convenience.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• In a bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
• Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.

Baking

• Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
• Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving

• Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

Notes

These stuffed pasta shells can be paired with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftover shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Keyword cheesy pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Pasta Shells, Stuffed Pasta

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