Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight 🧀🍝
Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells are a comfort food classic that combines savory beef, creamy cheese, and a rich marinara sauce, all wrapped in a perfectly cooked pasta shell. This dish is as satisfying to make as it is to eat, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 large pasta shells
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the shells.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells
Boil a pot of salted water, then add the pasta shells. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool. You can also give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop them from cooking further.
3. Cook the Ground Beef
While the shells cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, the egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until smooth and fully combined.
5. Mix Beef with Cheese
Once the beef mixture is ready, gently fold it into the ricotta mixture, ensuring everything is evenly combined. This creates the cheesy filling that will go inside the shells.
6. Stuff the Pasta Shells
Use a spoon to fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the cheesy beef mixture. Be sure to stuff them well for maximum flavor in each bite.
7. Assemble the Dish
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells open side up in the dish. Once all the shells are lined up, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring the shells are well covered.
8. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the stuffed shells with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy, golden topping.
9. Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
10. Serve
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Nutritional Information:
Each serving is approximately 450 calories, with 24g of protein, 22g of fat, and 35g of carbohydrates.
Time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This dish brings together all your favorite Italian flavors in a fun and satisfying way. The pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy beef filling, topped with melty mozzarella and marinara sauce—what’s not to love? It’s a comforting meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family and is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Enjoy your cheesy beef-stuffed shells with a side salad or garlic bread for an extra indulgent treat! 🍽️