Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Introduction

Delve into the heart of comforting cuisine with Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells, an ideal dish for family gatherings or cozy dinners. This recipe merges the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef and creamy cheeses, all enveloped in tender pasta shells, making every bite a delightful experience. The harmonious blend of savory beef, gooey cheese, and tangy marinara creates a layered taste profile that resonates with both adults and children alike.

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, fitting perfectly into weeknight meals or special occasions. You might want to prepare a big batch to enjoy leftovers, as the flavors even improve after being stored in the refrigerator overnight. With everything from the creamy ricotta to the crisp finish of baked mozzarella, every element contributes to a meal that’s savory, satisfying, and utterly scrumptious.

Recipe Overview

– Total Time: Not specified in the recipe

– Yield/Servings: Not specified in the recipe

– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe

Ingredients

– 20 jumbo pasta shells

– 1 pound ground beef

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup ricotta cheese

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 large egg

– 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried basil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. If there is excess fat, drain it off.

3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté the mixture until the onion becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil for added flavor.

4. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the large egg. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well blended. Gently fold in the cooked beef mixture until fully combined.

5. Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a spoon and fill each cooked pasta shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling. Arrange the stuffed shells in a 9×13 inch baking dish.

6. Add Marinara Sauce: Carefully pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring that each shell is well coated. Top the dish with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese for a deliciously gooey finish.

7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant touch.

Cooking the Pasta

To achieve the perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells, the first essential step is preparing the pasta shells. Boiling pasta might seem straightforward, but several details can make all the difference in texture and taste. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta as it cooks, making the overall dish more savory.

When adding the jumbo pasta shells to the boiling water, it’s crucial to follow package instructions for cooking time. Typically, shells should be cooked until al dente, which means they should be tender but still firm enough to hold their shape when stuffed. Cooking them just right is key to avoiding overly soft shells that can break during the stuffing process.

Once the pasta reaches the al dente stage, drain it in a colander and let it cool slightly. Allowing the shells to cool helps to avoid burns while stuffing and prevents excess moisture from making the filling watery. With the shells prepared, you’re now primed to move on to creating the delightful filling that will make this dish sing.

Preparing the Filling

The filling for Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells is where you can truly elevate the dish with rich flavors. Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. This step takes approximately 5-7 minutes. As you cook, use a spatula to break apart the meat into small chunks to allow for even cooking. The goal here is to achieve a beautifully browned beef that radiates flavor.

Once the beef is browned, it’s time to add aromatics. Incorporating finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet not only adds essential flavors but also builds a savory base. Sauté them with the beef until the onion becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes. This step softens the onions while releasing their sweetness, which beautifully complements the beef.

To elevate the flavor profile further, season the mixture with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. These dried herbs enhance the dish’s taste, introducing that comforting Italian essence that pairs so well with stuffed pasta. Once the meat mixture is seasoned and aromatic, it’s ready to be combined with the cheese filling, setting the stage for the delicious stuffed shells.

Mixing the Cheese Filling

With both the pasta shells and the beef prepared, it’s time to create a creamy cheese filling that will bring this dish together. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and a large egg. The ricotta cheese serves as a rich, creamy base, while mozzarella adds that classic gooey texture, crucial for stuffed pasta. The Parmesan brings a tangy sharpness that deepens the overall flavor.

Mix the cheeses and egg until they are thoroughly blended. The egg serves as a binding agent, helping to hold the cheese filling together when stuffed into the pasta. Once these ingredients are combined, gently fold in the cooked beef mixture. The goal is a harmonious blend of cheese and meat that will fill each shell perfectly.

Now that your delicious filling is ready, you can confidently stuff each shell and prepare them for baking, ensuring a mouthwatering meal for your family or guests.

Cheese Choices

The success of Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells heavily depends on the selection of cheeses used in the filling. Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture and mild flavor that serves as a perfect base. When choosing ricotta, opt for whole milk varieties as they provide better creaminess and richness compared to low-fat options. The slight graininess of ricotta can also contribute to an appealing mouthfeel when paired with the smooth textures of beef and marinara sauce.

Mozzarella cheese enhances the dish with its stringy quality and creamy taste. When choosing mozzarella, consider using a fresh variety, which offers a sweeter and more delicate flavor profile compared to pre-shredded options. Fresh mozzarella also melts beautifully, contributing to that ooey-gooey texture that makes pasta dishes so irresistible.

Parmesan cheese is the final component in the cheese mixture, introducing a sharp, nutty flavor. Using freshly grated Parmesan will elevate the overall taste and provide an additional textural component, perfect for balancing between the creamy and rich elements of the dish.

Binding Factor

The use of an egg in the cheese filling serves as a critical binding factor. The egg not only helps hold the mixture together but also contributes to a moist texture. When baked, the egg solidifies slightly, ensuring that the filling does not spill out of the shells during cooking. However, it is essential to avoid overmixing the filling, as this could lead to a denser texture rather than the light and fluffy consistency that is desired.

Combining Ingredients

To achieve a uniform consistency in the cheese filling, start by mixing the cheeses and egg in a medium bowl until well combined. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold in the browned beef mixture, ensuring that the beef and seasonings evenly distribute throughout the cheese. This balance enhances the flavor profile in every bite, making for a rich and satisfying experience.

Stuffing the Shells

Portioning the Filling

When filling the shells, aim for about 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling per shell. This amount ensures a balanced ratio of filling to pasta, allowing the flavors to meld properly without overwhelming the delicate pasta shell. Overstuffing can lead to messiness during baking, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Arrangement Tips

Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish with a little space between each shell. This spacing allows the hot air and sauce to circulate effectively, promoting even cooking. For a visually appealing presentation, consider aligning the shells in a single layer with the open side facing up, which makes it easier to pour sauce and add cheese on top.

Avoiding Spillage

To prevent filling from spilling out during baking, ensure that the shells are properly stuffed but not tightly packed. Optionally, you can lightly oil the baking dish before placing the shells, which helps in preventing sticking and can create a slightly crispy edge. Pouring the sauce over the shells with care will also minimize the chances of it pooling at the bottom of the dish.

Adding Marinara Sauce

Choosing Your Sauce

While homemade marinara sauce has the advantage of fresh ingredients and tailored flavors, store-bought options are perfect for convenience. Look for sauces with quality ingredients, avoiding those with added sugars or preservatives. Reading labels can help pinpoint the brands that offer a rich, authentic flavor.

Layering the Sauce

When adding the marinara sauce, take care to coat each stuffed shell evenly. You can do this either by gently pouring the sauce over the shells or using a ladle to spoon sauce on top of each shell individually. This step not only enhances the taste but also helps keep the pasta moist during the baking process.

Cheese Topping

Adding that extra layer of shredded mozzarella on top of the marinara sauce before baking is crucial for flavor and texture. The additional cheese layer bubbles up and becomes golden brown, adding visual appeal and a deliciously gooey crust. Using a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan on top can enhance both the flavor and the texture of the baked dish.

Baking the Stuffed Shells

Oven Preparation

Preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) is critical for ensuring the shells cook evenly. Once preheated, the heat will help create a beautifully melted cheese layer while maintaining the internal moisture of the stuffed pasta shells.

Covering Techniques

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the initial 25 minutes of baking. This technique traps steam, preventing the cheese from over-browning too quickly. For the last 10-15 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to become bubbly and beautifully golden. This two-step process ensures a well-cooked dish with the perfect balance of textures.

Finishing Touches

After removing the foil, watch closely as the cheese turns golden, which is an indicator that the shells are nearly done. Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving permits the filling to set slightly, making the shells easier to serve without falling apart.

Garnishing and Serving

Fresh Herb Integration

Chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds both color and freshness to the dish. To achieve an even distribution, finely chop the parsley and sprinkle generously over the baked shells just before serving. This bright pop of color not only looks appealing but also elevates the flavor profile, providing a fresh contrast to the hearty flavors.

Presentation Ideas

For a more elegant presentation, consider serving the stuffed shells on individual plates, with a drizzle of marinara sauce around the edges. You can also incorporate a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan on top for an upscale touch. This not only heightens the visual appeal but also creates a layered experience with each bite.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement the rich flavors of the Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells, consider serving them with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. A light green salad dressed with a vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the dish, providing balance.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells bring together a medley of flavors and textures that make for a satisfying meal. The combination of tender pasta, savory beef, and creamy cheese creates a comforting dish. With a bit of attention to detail during preparation and baking, the result is an inviting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The careful layering and baking ensure a delicious outcome without extensive time in the kitchen.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?