Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch 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 rinse with cold water.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
6. Spread 1 cup 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 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 475
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 124mg
Sodium: 1025mg
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the beef and cheese mixture for added nutrition.
- Use different types of cheese such as fontina or provolone.
- Add 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 piping bag or a small spoon to stuff the pasta shells.
- Leftover stuffed shells can be frozen for later use.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat stuffed shells in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve stuffed shells on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil on top.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs.
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 before baking.
- If the stuffed shells are too watery, drain excess liquid from the beef and cheese mixture.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- 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 1960s.
Flavor Profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for dinner or as a potluck dish for a party.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian