Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box of jumbo shells
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 (24-ounce) jars of marinara sauce
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. Add the jumbo shells and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Drain the shells and set aside.
5. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over medium heat until the beef is cooked through.
6. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and egg.
7. Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
8. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and place in the baking dish.
9. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
10. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
11. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: 6
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 590
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 33g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Onion can be substituted with shallots.
- Bell pepper can be substituted with any other type of pepper.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
- Parsley can be substituted with any other type of fresh herb.
Variations:
- The shells can be filled with any other type of filling such as spinach and ricotta cheese, ground turkey and vegetables, or any other combination.
- The marinara sauce can be substituted with any other type of sauce such as Alfredo sauce or pesto sauce.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cook the shells just until they are al dente, otherwise they will be too soft and difficult to stuff.
- Make sure to drain the shells well after cooking to remove any excess water.
- If the shells are too large, they can be cut in half before stuffing.
Storage Instructions:
Stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Stuffed shells can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Presentation Ideas:
Stuffed shells can be served with a side of garlic bread or a salad.
Garnishes:
Stuffed shells can be garnished with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or chopped fresh herbs.
Pairings:
Stuffed shells can be paired with a glass of red wine or a light beer.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Stuffed shells can be served with a side of roasted vegetables, a salad, or garlic bread.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the shells are too soft, make sure to cook them for less time.
- If the shells are too dry, make sure to add more sauce.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly before stuffing the shells.
Food History:
Stuffed shells are a traditional Italian dish that has been around for centuries.
Flavor Profiles:
Stuffed shells are savory and cheesy with a hint of herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
Stuffed shells can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.
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Region: Italian