Stuffed Pasta Shells
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious and comforting dish! You won’t want to miss out on trying these Stuffed Pasta Shells filled with savory cheeses and rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until meat is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Add cooked beef mixture and stir until well combined.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and beef mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with additional mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Popular questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Can I substitute the cheeses with other varieties?
Yes, you can make this recipe with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
Helpful tips:
- Try adding chopped spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add in more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
Expert Secrets:
- For a crispy top, broil the stuffed shells for a few minutes after baking.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
