Ready to indulge in a cheesy, comforting dish that’s sure to delight?
These Stuffed Pasta Shells take your dinner game up a notch! Picture creamy ricotta mingling with savory beef, all enveloped in hearty pasta shells and drenched in marinara. And the best part? It’s remarkably simple! 🥳 Whether you’re planning a family dinner or just craving some comfort food, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Why make this recipe
Here’s the thing: cooking doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these Stuffed Pasta Shells, you get:
- Easy cleanup: One pan, minimal mess. Who doesn’t love that?
- Affordability: We’re talking about budget-friendly ingredients here. No need to break the bank for a fantastic meal!
- Family-friendly: Kids love cheesy pasta. It’s practically a universal law! 😉
You can whip this up on a busy weeknight, and everyone will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- Large pasta shells
- Ground beef
- Ricotta cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil (optional 🌿)
Directions
Time to roll up your sleeves and dive in! Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cooked beef mixture, egg, parmesan cheese, and chopped basil (if using).
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, then cover with more marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
How to make Stuffed Pasta Shells (Overview)
Making these stuffed wonders is super straightforward.
- Prep the pasta: Cook those shells until al dente.
- Sauté: Get your garlic and onion fragrant, then brown the beef.
- Mix and stuff: Combine the delicious cheese and beef mixture.
- Layer and bake: Assemble in a baking dish, pour on the sauce, and drown in cheese before popping it in the oven.
Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic; it infuses the dish with an amazing aroma!
How to serve Stuffed Pasta Shells
Serve your Stuffed Pasta Shells fresh out of the oven, layered with marinara and bubbling cheese! For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for some kick. The color contrast of the red sauce and melted cheese is simply stunning 😍. Pair with a crisp side salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a feast that smells incredible!
How to store Stuffed Pasta Shells
Got leftovers? These shells will keep in the fridge for about 3–4 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container! You can even freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through — no one likes a cold pasta experience!
Tips to make Stuffed Pasta Shells
Here are some insider tricks for you:
- Use a combo of meats: Ground turkey or chicken works great too if you’re looking for something lighter.
- Add spinach: Mixing in some chopped spinach boosts nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
- Mix cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for an extra twist.
- Don’t overstuff: It’s tempting, but overstuffed shells can burst in the oven. Keep it reasonable!
Variation
Want to change things up? Make it vegan by replacing the beef with lentils or mushrooms, and swap the cheeses with your favorite dairy-free alternatives. You can also go Mediterranean by adding sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the stuffing mixture!
FAQs
Can I make Stuffed Pasta Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just assemble the shells, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge. Bake when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a different flavor profile.
How do I freeze leftovers?
Cool them down completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ingredients
Pasta and Filling
- 12 pieces Large pasta shells Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 lb Ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Shredded, for topping
- 1 large Egg For binding the cheese mixture.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 1 tsp Salt To taste
- 1 tsp Pepper To taste
- 2 tbsp Olive oil For sautéing
- 1 tbsp Fresh basil Chopped, optional for stuffing.
Sauce
- 2 cups Marinara sauce For layering and topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cooked beef mixture, egg, parmesan cheese, and chopped basil (if using).
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
Baking
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, then cover with more marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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