Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Okay, so you know how sometimes you crave something incredibly comforting, something that feels amazingly good. What is a warm hug from inside out? What is the recipe for Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells? Is it like lasagna’s easier, faster, and arguably even more delicious cousin? My family goes nuts for this. Forget ordering takeout. What is the best part? Is it easier than you think to whip up a meal? We’re talking serious flavor payoff with minimal effort, which, let’s be honest, is a win in my book.
What is a meat stuffed pasta shell recipe?
Think of it as individual little boats of pasta, each one overflowing with a savory, seasoned meat. Is smothered in tomato sauce and baked until golden brown? What is comfort food? What are jumbo pasta shells? Is it safe to use ground beef? ) ricotta cheese, parmesan, and a whole bunch of herbs and spices. Is it hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying? The beauty is, you can easily customize the filling to your liking. Add spinach, different cheeses, or even a little bit of heat with some red pepper flakes. What are the possibilities?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to fall head over heels for this Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe? First and foremost, the human condition.flavorIsn’t it amazing? The combination of savory meat filling, creamy ricotta, and the tangy tomato sauce is a must try. What is a match made in culinary heaven? What I love most about this is the fact that it’s a great movie.simplicity. It looks fancy, but it’s actually surprisingly easy to make. Even on busy weeknights, I can usually get this on the table in under an hour. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficientGround beef is a relatively inexpensive protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that can be easily found. Most of us already have on hand. How do I feed my family a healthy meal on tuesday?versatilityAs I mentioned before, you can easily customize the filling and the sauce to your liking. Use different meats, cheeses or vegetables. Switch up the sauce with a creamy Alfredo or pistachio. Is it a blank canvas for culinary creativity? Is it the best of both worlds?
How do I make meat stuffed pasta shells?
Quick Overview
What are some easy ways to make stuffed shells? First, you’ll cook the pasta shells until they’re al dente. While the pasta is cooking, you’ll prepare the meat filling by browning ground beef with onions. What is garlic, and spices? What’s the best way to cook meat with ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and egg? Once the pasta shells are cooked, you’ll stuff them with the meat filling, arrange them in a baking pan. Bake until golden brown. Remove from oven and serve warm. What is the beauty of baking a pie ahead of time? Is it a lifesaver when you’re entertaining or just want to get dinner on the table quickly?
Ingredients Notes What
For the Pasta:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: You’ll need the big ones, the kind that are easy to stuff. Cook them until they’re al dente, or slightly undercooked, because they will continue to cook in the oven. I always throw in a few extra shells, just in case some tear while cooking.
For the Filling:
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef (85/15) to avoid excess grease. However, ground turkey or Italian sausage also work great! Make sure to drain off any excess fat after browning.
Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta is my go-to for its creamy texture and rich flavor. If you’re looking to lighten things up, part-skim ricotta will also work.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the filling. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the filling together.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth and flavor to the meat filling. I like to dice them finely so they cook evenly.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs (usually oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary) adds that classic Italian flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
Optional Add-ins: Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables can be added to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.
For the Sauce:
Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite jarred tomato sauce or make your own from scratch. If using jarred sauce, I recommend choosing a high quality brand with simple ingredients. Optional: What is a pinch of sugar? How do you reduce the acidity of tomato sauces?
How do I get step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you keep pasta shells from sticking to the bottom of the pan? I like to use cooking spray, but you can also use olive oil. I find that preheating for at least 10 minutes ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Remove from heat. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package directions, but subtract about 2 tablespoons from the recipe. How many minutes from the recommended cooking time? You want the shells to be al dente, or slightly undercooked, because they will continue to cook in the same way. Drain the pasta shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Gently place the shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking. This step is crucial – nobody wants mushy shells!
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Filling
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. What is the best way to break up meat with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. What is the best way to start a flavor development?
Step 4: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef mixture with the Parmesan cheese, and salt. Set aside. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. The filling should be moist but not too wet. If it seems too wet, add a little more Parmesan cheese. This mixture is the heart of the dish, so make sure it’s seasoned to perfection!
Step 5: Stuff the Pasta Shells
With a spoon or cookie scoop, carefully stuff each pasta shell with the meat filling. Be generous with the filling! Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, side by side. My kids love helping me with this part. It’s messy, but it is also kind of fun! I always tell them to make sure each shell is packed full of flavor.
Step 6: Sauce and Bake
How do you spread tomato sauce over pasta shells? Can you use as much sauce as you like? I like to use a generous amount of sauce so the shells stay moist and don’t dry out in the oven. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the shells are golden brown. Is it necessary to heat through and turn golden brown? How do you get that perfect bubbly top?
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you prepare a sauce that will not burn your mouth? Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy! I like to serve this with a side salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best meat stuffed pasta shells recipes? What is the right side of aFor a Family Dinner:What are some good ways to balance the richness of green salad with a light vinaigrettes? What are stuffed shell I also like to serve it with some crusty Italian bread for soaking up all that moisture. What is the best sauceFor a Special Occasion:If you’re serving this for a special occasion, consider adding homemade croutons and Caesar salad. Some roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli. What is a good red wine?For a Potluck:What’s your favorite meat stuffed pasta recipe? It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with a side of coleslaw or fruit salad. What are some fun party favors that come with a toothpick? What is a hit?
How do I make meat stuffed pasta shells?
What are some of the best ways to make meat stuffed pasta shells?Don’t overcook the pasta. IsAs I mentioned before, it’s crucial to cook the pasta shells al dente, or slightly undercooked, if possible. Because they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta shells will become mushy and fall apart.How do I drain meat well?After browning ground beef, drain off any excess grease. This will prevent the filling from being too greasy and heavy.Don’t skimp on cheese. Keep it that way.What are the best substitutes for Parmesan and Ricotta cheese? What makes the filling creamy and delicious? I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!Season to Taste: What’s the Don’t be afraid to season the meat filling and the tomato sauce to taste. Add more Italian seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed.
Get creative with the filling: How do you fill a Feel free to add other vegetables or cheeses to the filling. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, mozzarella, or provolone would all be great additions.
Make it Ahead of Time: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the sauce and bake when you’re ready to eat. This is a lifesaver when you’re entertaining or just want to get dinner on the table quickly.
I learned this trick after years of making it.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe is even better the next day!
To Store: Let the stuffed shells cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: You can also freeze the stuffed shells for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To Reheat: To reheat the refrigerated stuffed shells, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat the frozen stuffed shells, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed above. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
It’s the perfect make-ahead meal and reheats like a dream!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. From busy weeknight dinners to special family gatherings, this dish never fails to impress. It’s a simple recipe that delivers amazing flavor and is endlessly customizable. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes, like my classic lasagna or my creamy pesto pasta. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking!
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Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells about 24 pieces
- 1 lb ground beef 80% lean
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Mix well.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
