This recipe provides instructions for making Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells, a comforting and flavorful pasta dish where large pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, cheese (typically ricotta and mozzarella), and herbs, then baked in a marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. It’s a satisfying and relatively easy dish to prepare, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. The combination of tender pasta, rich meat filling, creamy cheese, and tangy tomato sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. The image shows a white plate filled with several large pasta shells that have been stuffed with a mixture of browned ground beef, diced tomatoes, and herbs, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The shells are nestled in a red tomato-based sauce. Fresh parsley is sprinkled over the top as a garnish. The overall appearance is hearty, cheesy, and very appetizing.
Based on common recipes for Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells, the ingredients likely include:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: The large pasta variety specifically used for stuffing.
- Ground Beef: The primary meat component of the filling, providing a rich and savory base.
- Ricotta Cheese: A creamy, mild cheese that forms the bulk of the cheesy filling.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Used both in the filling for its melty texture and on top for a gooey, browned finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor to the filling.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the filling together.
- Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, adding aromatic flavor to the filling.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the savory profile of the meat filling.
- Onion (Optional): Diced onion can be sautéed with the ground beef for added flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: A tomato-based sauce that the stuffed shells are baked in, providing moisture and a tangy flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade.
- Diced Tomatoes (Optional): Can be added to the meat filling for texture and flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish, adding a touch of freshness and color.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
The preparation begins by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until they are al dente. While the pasta cooks, the meat filling is prepared by browning the ground beef in a skillet with minced garlic (and optional diced onion). Once the beef is cooked, it is drained of any excess grease. In a separate bowl, ricotta cheese is mixed with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, a beaten egg, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. The cooked ground beef (and optional diced tomatoes) is then added to the cheese mixture and combined well. Once the pasta shells are cooked and slightly cooled, they are filled with the meat and cheese mixture. A layer of marinara sauce is spread on the bottom of a baking dish, and the stuffed shells are arranged over the sauce. The remaining marinara sauce is spooned over the shells, and a final layer of mozzarella cheese is often sprinkled on top. The dish is then baked in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. Fresh parsley is usually sprinkled over the top before serving.
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are best served hot, right out of the oven, when the cheese is gooey and the filling is warm and flavorful.
The texture offers a delightful combination of tender pasta shells, a rich and slightly creamy meat and cheese filling, and a smooth, tangy tomato sauce, often with a melted and slightly browned cheese topping.
The flavor is a comforting blend of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese, the aromatic notes of Italian herbs and garlic, and the bright, slightly sweet flavor of marinara sauce.
Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are a baked pasta dish featuring large shells filled with a mixture of ground beef, ricotta and mozzarella cheese, herbs, and baked in marinara sauce.
The preparation involves cooking pasta shells, making a meat and cheese filling, stuffing the shells, arranging them in a baking dish with marinara sauce, topping with more cheese, and baking until bubbly and heated through.
Ingredients ( अनुमानित based on common recipes):
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup diced onion (optional)
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown the Ground Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. If using onion, add it to the skillet before the beef and cook until softened. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking until fragrant.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Stir in the dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. If using diced tomatoes, add them to the bowl. Add the cooked ground beef to the cheese mixture and mix everything together until well combined.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer (about ½ cup) of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Stuff the Pasta Shells: Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture, about 2-3 tablespoons per shell.
- Arrange the Stuffed Shells: Arrange the stuffed pasta shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, nestled over the marinara sauce.
- Add Remaining Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake the Stuffed Shells: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the sauce is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells!