Description:
Pasta Shells with Ground Beef is a comforting and hearty dish that features large pasta shells stuffed with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese. This delicious meal is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, combining the delightful flavors of Italian cuisine with a satisfying texture. Topped with melted cheese and baked until bubbly, it’s a dish everyone will love!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta and Filling:
- Large pasta shells: 12 oz (340 g)
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g)
- Onion (chopped): 1 small
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Ricotta cheese: 1 cup (240 g)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100 g)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50 g)
For the Sauce:
- Marinara sauce: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp (for cooking)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Optional Ingredients (for extra flavor):
- Red pepper flakes: ¼ tsp (for a bit of heat)
- Spinach or kale: 1 cup (for added nutrition)
- Diced bell peppers: ½ cup (for extra veggies)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the beef filling:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. - Mix the filling:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and ricotta cheese. If using spinach or other veggies, stir them in as well. - Stuff the pasta shells:
Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish. - Add the sauce:
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. - Bake the dish:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Serve:
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the shells just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Customize your filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced vegetables or different cheeses for added flavor.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Recommendations:
- Serve with sides: Pair this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Experiment with sauces: Try using different sauces, like Alfredo or pesto, for a unique twist on the dish.
Nutrition (per serving, approx. based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
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