Stuffed Pasta Shells
Get Ready for a Cheesy Delight!
Ever bit into a stuffed pasta shell and felt like you were dining in a cozy Italian bistro? If you haven’t, prepare for a treat! This quick and creamy recipe combines tender pasta, zesty marinara, and a cheesy filling that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning easy cleanup and more time for relaxation post-dinner!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you whip up these stuffed pasta shells? Here are a couple of reasons that will leave you grinning:
- Family-Friendly: Kids (and adults) will devour these, making you the mealtime hero. Who doesn’t love a big bowl of cheesy goodness?
- Affordable: With budget-friendly ingredients, this dish doesn’t break the bank. You’ll feel fancy without fancy prices!
Grab your ingredients and let’s get this show on the road!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- Large pasta shells
- Ground beef
- Ricotta cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil (optional)
Directions
Follow these steps, and you’ll be feasting in no time!
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cooked beef mixture, egg, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil (if using).
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, then cover with more marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Make Stuffed Pasta Shells (Overview)
Alright, let’s break it down. Start with cooking those shell-shaped pasta beauties then whip up a flavorful beef mix with sautéed onion and garlic – trust me, the aroma alone will reel you in. Next comes the fun part: mixing the creamy filling and stuffing those shells! Layer the sauce in your baking dish, place the shells, top with more sauce and cheese, and then it’s just a matter of popping it in the oven. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!
How to Serve Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ready to impress your friends? Serve these stuffed pasta shells piping hot, garnished with fresh basil for that pop of green. Pair them with a crisp salad drizzled with balsamic, or some garlic bread for a crunchy contrast. The rich red marinara, melty cheese, and tender pasta create a feast for both the eyes and palate. Yum!
How to Store Stuffed Pasta Shells
If you somehow have leftovers (how??), they’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Just pop them in an airtight container. If you want to freeze them, take those stuffed shells before baking, freeze them flat in a container, and then bake from frozen when you’re ready for round two. Reheating is a breeze too — just cover with foil and heat in the oven until bubbly.
Tips to Make Stuffed Pasta Shells
Here are a few tricks to elevate your stuffed shell game:
- Browning is Key: Make sure your beef is nicely browned for that incredible depth of flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Swap in some goat cheese or sautéed spinach for extra flair.
- Bake Ahead: Prep the dish a day before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, just like a pro chef!
Variation
Want to switch things up? Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For those who prefer a vegan twist, swap the ricotta for cashew cream and the beef for lentils. Flavor your marinara with some spices for an extra kick!
FAQs
Can I make stuffed pasta shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them a day prior and refrigerate. Pop them in the oven when you’re ready.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sautéed veggies for a vegetarian version.
Can I freeze stuffed pasta shells?
Yes! Just freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready to serve, bake them directly from the freezer — just add a bit more time to ensure they’re heated through.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Cheesy Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cooked beef mixture, egg, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil (if using).
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, then cover with more marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
