Imagine sinking your fork into a cheesy, hearty stuffed shell bursting with savory ground beef and luscious tomato sauce. This Ground Beef Stuffed Shells recipe has been a family favorite in my home for years. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion!
Why Make This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The rich combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tangy tomato sauce creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Nourishing Ingredients: This dish is packed with protein from the beef and calcium from the cheese, making it not just tasty, but also nutritious.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all levels.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can adjust the fillings and sauces to cater to your family’s taste preferences, ensuring everyone will enjoy it.
- Ideal for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, these stuffed shells are always a hit, making mealtime special and memorable. Personally, I love making this dish on cozy Sundays; it fills the house with an amazing aroma and brings everyone together.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
This recipe combines boiling, stuffing, and baking, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
My Experience Making This Recipe
The first time I made these stuffed shells was a delightful adventure. I remember struggling a bit with stuffing the shells without breaking them—this taught me the importance of cooking them just right. After a few attempts, I discovered that lightly oiling my fingers made the process much easier, and the shells turned out beautifully stuffed every time.
How to Make Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
To make Ground Beef Stuffed Shells, start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet with onions and garlic, seasoning it well. After mixing in ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, stuff each shell generously with the flavorful beef mixture, place them in a baking dish, cover with sauce, and let them bake until bubbly and golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen is simply divine!
Expert Tips for Success
- Cooking the Shells: Make sure not to overcook the shells; they should be slightly firm to prevent them from falling apart during stuffing.
- Flavor Booster: Add spinach or chopped mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Sauce Selection: Use a high-quality marinara or homemade sauce for the best results; it truly elevates the dish.
- Cheese Types: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or Parmesan for a unique twist.
- Oven Temperature: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts perfectly without burning.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Serve these delightful stuffed shells hot with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Pair them with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. For special occasions, consider setting out a variety of sauces for dipping or drizzling at the table. They’re not just a feast for the stomach, but also for the eyes!
Storage and Reheating Guide
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking, and they will last for up to 3 months. When reheating, it’s best to cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring the cheese stays gooey and delicious.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells to cater to dietary needs without compromising flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for textured vegetable protein (TVP) or finely chopped vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef filling for a spicy twist.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix different cheeses into the filling for an even richer taste; smoked gouda can add a unique flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
Ground beef is rich in high-quality protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth. Additionally, the incorporation of cheese offers a good source of calcium, essential for bone health. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as stuffed shells can be quite filling! This recipe contains common allergens like dairy and gluten; adjustments should be made as necessary.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Shells Breaking When Stuffing: Ensure shells are cooked al dente; if overcooked, they can easily tear. A gentle touch helps when filling them.
- Too Dry After Baking: Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to trap moisture, then uncover at the end for a bubbly finish.
- Uneven Filling: Use a cookie scoop for consistent filling portions to ensure each shell is equally delicious and well-stuffed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I prepare stuffed shells in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can stuff the shells and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
Q2: What’s the best way to freeze leftover stuffed shells?
A: Pack them in airtight containers with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They’ll be great for up to three months!
Q3: Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean alternatives. For a vegetarian option, consider lentils or quinoa for added texture and nutrition.
Q4: How do I prevent excess moisture in the filling?
A: Be sure to drain any excess liquid from your beef mixture and consider using less sauce when assembling the dish to prevent sogginess.
Dive into this delightful recipe, and I promise it will become a favorite in your home too! Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!
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Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A cheesy, hearty stuffed shell filled with savory ground beef and topped with luscious tomato sauce; perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic; season with salt and pepper.
- Mix in the ricotta and half of the mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Stuff each shell generously with the beef mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish and top with the remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
Cook the pasta shells al dente to prevent them from breaking when stuffing. Consider adding spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg