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Ground Beef Stuffed Shells

Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
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Ground Beef Stuffed Shells are tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked in a flavorful marinara sauce. This hearty and comforting dish is easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, and can be customized with various meats, cheeses, or vegetables to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 box jumbo pasta shells (about 12 ounces)

Meat Filling

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce

  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they’re easy to handle without breaking.
  2. Prepare the ground beef filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool briefly.
  3. Mix the cheeses and beef: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well blended and creamy.
  4. Stuff the shells: Carefully fill each cooled pasta shell with the ground beef and cheese mixture, making sure to pack it fully but gently.
  5. Assemble and bake: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer, then cover with the remaining marinara sauce and the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente: Avoid mushy shells by not overcooking; they’ll finish baking in the oven.
  • Drain grease well: Removing excess fat from ground beef keeps the dish rich but not oily.
  • Use fresh herbs: If available, fresh basil or parsley add vibrant flavor over dried seasoning.
  • Don’t overstuff shells: Filling too much can cause shells to break or filling to spill during baking.
  • Let it rest: Allow baked stuffed shells to cool slightly before serving to help set the filling.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef stuffed shells, baked pasta shells, comfort food, Italian dinner, stuffed pasta, easy weeknight meals

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/ground-beef-stuffed-shells/