Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
7. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.
8. Pour the arrabbiata sauce over the stuffed shells.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 546
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 1066mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried herbs.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
Variations:
- Vegetarian option: omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the cheese mixture.
- Seafood option: substitute cooked shrimp or crab for the ground beef.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente so they don't become too soft when baked.
- Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to easily stuff the pasta shells.
- Leftover sauce can be frozen for later use.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a platter with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Garlic bread and a green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the pasta shells are too difficult to stuff, try soaking them in warm water for a few minutes to soften them.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food history:
Arrabbiata sauce originated in Italy and is known for its spicy flavor.
Flavor profiles:
Spicy, savory, cheesy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine.
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Region: Italian