Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Why Make This Recipe

Stuffed shells with ground beef are a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of jumbo pasta shells filled with seasoned beef and creamy cheese creates a delightful dish everyone will love. It’s also a great way to use simple ingredients to create something truly satisfying.

How to Make Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Ingredients:

• 24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set them aside.

2. Cook the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent. Then, add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

3. Mix the Cheeses: In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley. Once the beef mixture has cooled a bit, stir it into the cheese mixture.

4. Assemble the Shells: Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff each shell with the beef and cheese mixture and place them in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

How to Serve Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Stuffed shells can be served hot from the oven. Pair them with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle a little extra parsley or grated Parmesan on top for added flavor and garnish.

How to Store Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

If you have leftovers, let the stuffed shells cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating. They can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Tips to Make Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

• Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells; they should be slightly firm since they will continue cooking in the oven.
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
• You can prepare the shells in advance and bake them just before serving.

Variation

For a twist, try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef. You can also switch up the cheeses by using different types of melty cheese to create varied flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?
   Yes, you can use any large pasta like manicotti or even lasagna sheets to roll up the filling.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach and use plant-based cheese.

3. Can I freeze stuffed shells?
   Yes, stuffed shells freeze well. Just assemble them, then cover tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about an hour, or until hot and bubbly.