Pasta shells with ground beef is a hearty and satisfying dish! It’s super versatile and can be made with different sauces or fillings. Here’s a recipe for Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef—a classic and comforting dish.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the pasta:
- 20-24 large pasta shells (about 1 box)
- Salt for the water
For the sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade if preferred)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pasta shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the shells and set them aside. You may want to toss them in a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Cook the ground beef:
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef, then season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella. Stir until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Stuff the shells:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce to coat the bottom.
- Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture, placing the stuffed shells in the baking dish as you go.
- Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells. Sprinkle the extra shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for a cheesy finish.
5. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
This recipe is great because it’s filling and flavorful, plus it has a good mix of cheese, beef, and pasta. You can also add other ingredients like spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor. Enjoy your pasta shells!
