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Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef

Delicious Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef Your Family Will Love

These Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef are an easy and delicious family dinner that warms the heart.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Shells
  • 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells can swap for manicotti if required
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil infuses flavor into filling
For the Filling
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion adds aromatic depth
  • 1 teaspoon Salt essential seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper essential seasoning
  • 3 cloves Garlic fresh garlic elevates taste
  • 1 pound Ground Beef the primary protein source
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning brings herbal notes
  • 1 cup Spaghetti Sauce (for filling) keeps the filling moist
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese adds creaminess to filling
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese provides melty goodness
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese enhances the filling
  • 1 large Egg binds the mixture
For Baking
  • 2 cups Spaghetti Sauce (for baking dish) creates a flavorful base layer
  • 1 cup Extra Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese for topping

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, boil salted water and gently add the jumbo pasta shells. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Lay on a baking sheet to cool.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, then add ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, mix in Italian seasoning and spaghetti sauce, and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and one beaten egg. Stir until smooth, then fold in the beef filling until fully incorporated.
  4. Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Pour a layer of spaghetti sauce across the bottom. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, placing seam side up in the dish.
  5. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the stuffed shells. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  6. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente; rinsing with cold water prevents sticking. Quality sauce matters for better flavor. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated.

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