Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
7. Place 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 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 30g
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 homemade tomato sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the beef and cheese mixture for added nutrition.
- Use different types of cheese such as feta or goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the marinara sauce for added texture.
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 spoon to stuff the pasta shells with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese before baking for added flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
Garlic bread and a side 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 hot water for a few minutes to soften them up.
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:
Stuffed shells originated in Italy and have been a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine for many years.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side salad and garlic bread.
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Region: Italian