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Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells

Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells: A Cozy Italian Delight

Indulge in Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells, a comforting Italian dish filled with ricotta and ground beef, smothered in marinara sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 shells
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Shells
  • 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells Cook until al dente.
For the Filling
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese.
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or meat alternative.
  • 1 piece Egg Beaten well before mixing.
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Can substitute with oregano or basil.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Finely chopped onions can be used.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Essentials for seasoning.
For the Cheesy Topping
  • 1 cup Provolone Cheese Can substitute with Italian cheese blend.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Any melting cheese can work.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated enhances melt quality.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade.
  • to taste Fresh Parsley Optional garnish.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • 9 x 13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the jumbo pasta shells. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for about 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Mix well.
  5. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, half of the cheese blend, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, beaten egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Fold in the browned beef.
  6. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
  7. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese filling and place them seam side up in the baking dish.
  8. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
  9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  10. Let cool for a few minutes, serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different fillings or sauces. Assemble and freeze stuffed shells for a quick meal on busy nights.

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