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A close-up of cheesy stuffed pasta shells topped with melted golden cheese, filled with ground beef and ricotta, arranged on a white plate with fresh herbs garnish, showcasing rich textures and vibrant colors.

Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Shells: Easy Comfort Food Dinner!

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Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Shells is a comforting and hearty dinner recipe featuring large pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings, this dish offers a delicious blend of cheesy goodness and flavorful meat filling that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 large pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by boiling a large pot of water, adding a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and remove from heat.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a splash of marinara sauce. Mix well, then stir in the cooked ground beef mixture for added flavor.
  4. Gently spoon the cheese and beef mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Be careful not to overfill. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish with a little marinara sauce at the bottom for easy removal and flavor.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, then bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
  • You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the dish before baking.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Customize with your favorite herbs or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking, sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Contains dairy and meat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Find it online: https://deliciousdailyrecipes.com/cheesy-ground-beef-stuffed-shells-easy-comfort-food-dinner/