Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef: A Hearty Italian Classic
Introduction
Stuffed shells with ground beef epitomize Italian comfort cuisine, combining tender pasta, savory meat, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses. This dish is ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions, offering both simplicity in preparation and depth in flavor.
Ingredients
To prepare this delightful meal, gather the following:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: 24 pieces
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (lean)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Marinara Sauce: 2 cups
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
- Egg: 1, beaten
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Preparation Steps
1. Cooking the Pasta Shells
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook Shells: Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the shells and lay them out on a baking sheet to cool, preventing them from sticking together.
2. Preparing the Filling
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Cheeses and Egg: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate Beef: Fold the cooked ground beef mixture into the cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Assembling the Dish
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, ensuring they are generously stuffed.
- Arrange in Dish: Place the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Add Remaining Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Baking
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil (Optional): For a golden-brown top, broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
5. Serving
- Garnish: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Accompaniments: Serve hot alongside garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Based on 6 Servings):
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g