Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked beef mixture, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff each cooked shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Arrange stuffed shells in the baking dish.
8. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
Serving size: 1 stuffed shell
Calories: 280
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the beef and cheese mixture for added nutrition.
- Use different types of cheese such as fontina or gouda for a unique flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the marinara sauce for added flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells until al dente so they don't become too soft when baked.
- Use a piping bag or a spoon to easily stuff the shells with the beef and cheese mixture.
- To prevent the stuffed shells from sticking to the baking dish, lightly grease the dish with cooking spray or butter.
Storage instructions:
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place stuffed shells in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve stuffed shells on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stuffed shells are too dry, add more marinara sauce or a drizzle of olive oil before baking.
- If the stuffed shells are too watery, drain excess liquid from the beef and cheese mixture before stuffing the shells.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Store leftover stuffed shells in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1960s.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
Serve stuffed shells as a main dish for dinner or as a hearty appetizer for a party.
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Region: Italian