Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb 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 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, 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 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
8. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 487
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 33g
- Sodium: 1023mg
- Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of shredded cheese.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with any other type of pasta sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the beef and cheese mixture for some added nutrition.
- Use different herbs and spices to change up the flavor of the filling.
- Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the filling for some extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta shells until al dente so that they are not too soft and mushy.
- Use a piping bag or a spoon to fill the pasta shells with the beef and cheese mixture.
- If the stuffed shells are browning too quickly, cover them with foil while baking.
Storage instructions:
- Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the stuffed shells, place them 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 platter with some fresh parsley or basil sprinkled on top.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
- Serve the stuffed shells with a side salad or some garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
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 that it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Food history:
- Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- The stuffed shells are savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy from the marinara sauce.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stuffed shells as a main dish for dinner or as a hearty lunch.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A