Tasty Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

• 1 pound ground beef
• 24 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

This mix of ingredients is the base for tasty beef and shells pasta. Ricotta and ground beef blend well, making the dish smooth and savory.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

For more taste, add some optional ingredients. They boost flavor and health. These extras are great for making your stuffed shells special.

• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Adding these will make your dish even better. It’s fun to try different flavors in your beef stuffed shells ricotta.

How to Cook Large Shell Pasta Perfectly

Cooking large pasta shells is key to a great dish. Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Salt makes the shells taste better and keeps them firm.

When the water boils, add the shells gently. Stir them often to stop them from sticking. Check the package for cooking time. Cook them a bit less than suggested to keep them al dente.

When they’re done, drain the shells in a colander. Then, rinse them with cold water. This stops them from getting mushy.

Let the shells cool on a towel or baking sheet. Now, they’re ready for your filling. These steps will help you make big shell noodle recipes that are a hit!

Preparing the Beef Filling

Making a tasty beef filling is key for the best stuffed shells. I pick the right ground beef and season it well. This makes my dish a family hit.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

Choosing the right ground beef is important. I choose a mix with 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This mix gives great flavor and keeps the beef moist.

Ground chuck or a mix of sirloin and chuck works well. The fat makes the filling juicy without being too greasy.

Seasoning and Cooking the Beef

Seasoning the ground beef is crucial for tasty stuffed shells. I heat a pan over medium heat. Then, I add the ground beef and let it brown.

After it’s browned, I season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. This mix enhances the beef’s flavor and goes well with cheese.

1. Heat the pan and add the ground beef.
2. Brown the beef thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
4. Cook until fragrant and fully browned.

With the beef seasoned and cooked right, I mix it with ricotta cheese. This makes my beef stuffed shells a hit with everyone.

Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

Making stuffed shells with beef and pasta is fun. I mix the beef with cheese for a tasty filling. Here’s how I do it.

I mix seasoned ground beef with ricotta cheese. This makes the filling creamy. Then, I add mozzarella for extra flavor. A bit of Parmesan cheese adds a nice taste.

To avoid a wet filling, I watch the mix closely. The best mix is two cups of ricotta to one pound of beef. I add garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs for more flavor. Salt and pepper make it just right.

• Combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese.
• Add 1 pound of cooked ground beef.
• Mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
• Sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan.
• Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

After mixing, I check the texture. It should be creamy but hold its shape. Chilling the filling for 30 minutes helps a lot!

This mix of flavors and textures makes great stuffed shells. They’re perfect for family meals or when I have friends over. This recipe always gets great reviews.

The Cheese Mixture: Ricotta and More

Making the perfect filling for my large shell pasta recipes starts with cheese. Ricotta is the base, adding creaminess that boosts the flavor. I mix in mozzarella and Parmesan for a savory taste in every bite.

Using Ricotta and Other Cheeses

Ricotta is key in many recipes because of its mild taste and smooth feel. I blend it with mozzarella for a stretchy texture. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor, making the stuffing irresistible.

Mixing in Additional Ingredients

To make my stuffed shells even better, I add herbs and spices to the cheese mix. Fresh basil or parsley add freshness. Garlic powder or Italian seasoning boost the flavor. This makes the filling perfect with seasoned ground beef.

These touches make my cheesy stuffed shells a hit at any meal. They’re perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Building Your Stuffed Shells

Making tasty stuffed cheesy shells needs some skill. I pick the best way to fill each shell. This way, every bite is perfect.

Techniques for Stuffing Shells

I use a piping bag to fill shells neatly. It keeps things tidy. Without a piping bag, a spoon works well too. Just fill each shell carefully.

Don’t stuff too much. It can break during cooking. Leave a little room at the top for a nice look.

Layering the Ingredients

Layering is important for stuffed shells. I start with marinara sauce at the bottom. It stops sticking and adds moisture.

Then, I place the shells in the dish. Make sure they fit well but don’t squish them. After that, I add more marinara sauce and cheese on top. This makes the dish look and taste great.

Baking the Stuffed Shells to Perfection

Choosing the right dish is key for baking stuffed shells. A 9×13 inch dish is perfect. It’s the right size and shape for even cooking. Ceramic and glass dishes are great choices.

Ceramic dishes keep heat well, helping shells cook evenly. Glass dishes let you see the sauce and cheese. This helps you make any needed changes.

Choosing the Right Baking Dish

Choosing the right dish can make a big difference. Here are some types I like:

• Ceramic Dishes: Great heat retention, ensuring even baking.
• Glass Dishes: Easy monitoring of cooking progress and browning.
• Non-stick Coated Dishes: Simplifies cleanup, but ensure to watch the cooking time closely.

Each has its own benefits. Pick the one that fits your kitchen and cooking style.

Cooking Time and Temperature

I bake stuffed shells at 350°F. They take 30-40 minutes. It’s important to watch them closely.

Look for bubbling cheese and a golden top. A few minutes under the broiler can make the cheese crispy.

Using the right temperature is important. It makes the pasta tender and the filling rich. Cover the dish with foil for half the time, then remove it for browning.

Tasty Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

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• Author: Jessica

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 24 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Boil a large pot of salted water.
2. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente (slightly undercooked).
3. Drain and rinse with cold water.
4. Spread the shells on a baking sheet to cool.

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2. Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

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3. Make the Cheese Mixture

1. In a large bowl, mix:
   • 1 cup ricotta cheese
   • 1 egg
   • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • Optional: spinach, garlic, or onion.
2. Stir in the cooked ground beef until well combined.

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4. Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Fill each shell with the beef and cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
4. Arrange the filled shells in the dish.
5. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

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5. Bake

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Notes

1. Preparation Time:
   • Cooking pasta shells: 10 minutes
   • Preparing beef filling: 10 minutes
   • Mixing the cheese and assembling the shells: 10 minutes

   Total Preparation Time: 30 minutes

2. Cooking Time:
   • Baking (covered): 20 minutes
   • Baking (uncovered): 10-15 minutes

   Total Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

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Overall Timing:

Preparation + Cooking: 60-65 minutes

Serving Suggestions

To make stuffed pasta shells better, pick the right sides and sauces. This makes the meal balanced and tasty. Choosing the right items can really improve how it tastes and looks.

Pairing with the Right Sides

Good sides for stuffed shells make the meal better. Here are some great choices:

• Garlic bread: It’s buttery and crunchy, making it a cozy choice.
• Fresh salad: A crisp salad is a nice contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted vegetables: They add flavor and are good for you.
• Steamed broccoli: It’s simple but healthy and tasty.

These sides help balance the stuffed shells. They make the meal complete and satisfying.

Ideal Sauces to Complement Your Dish

Choosing the right sauce for stuffed shells is key. Here are some top picks:

• Marinara sauce: It’s a classic tomato sauce that goes well with the filling.
• Alfredo sauce: It’s creamy and adds a new taste and texture.
• Homemade pesto: It brings fresh, vibrant flavors to the dish.

Marinara and cheese sauces offer different experiences. Trying different sauces makes the stuffed shells more exciting.

Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Shells

Want to make your beef stuffed pasta amazing? Start by prepping your ingredients early. Cook the beef and cheeses a day before. This saves time and lets flavors mix well.

Letting the filling sit overnight makes it taste even better. It’s a secret trick that works wonders.

Want to make it your own? Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Or, try sautéed veggies or lentils for a veggie option. Adding different cheeses and spices can also change the flavor.

Don’t worry if you’re short on time. These shells freeze great. Just put them in a freezer-safe container after cooling. Then, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a bit more time.

Remember these tips to make the best stuffed shells. They’re perfect for any time!