Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup Caruso sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the marinara sauce and Caruso sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
6. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish.
7. Pour the sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover them completely.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 543
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
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.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for added nutrition.
- Use ground sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente so they don't become too soft when baked.
- Use a spoon to stuff the cheese mixture into the pasta shells for easier handling.
- Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the 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 or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stuffed shells are too dry, add a little more sauce before baking.
- If the cheese mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Caruso sauce is a tomato-based sauce that originated in Italy and is named after the famous opera singer Enrico Caruso.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory and cheesy with a hint of sweetness from the tomato-based sauce.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stuffed shells as a main dish for dinner.
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Region: Italian