Stuffed Shells with Meat Recipe
Discover how to make delicious stuffed shells with meat in this easy, flavorful recipe. Perfect for any dinner!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Skillet
- Baking dish
Ingredients
- 24 shells Jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 3 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup chopped Fresh parsley
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Instructions
Step 1- Prepare the Pasta
- Boil the pasta shells as per the package instructions until they are al dente.
- Drain and set aside on a clean cloth to cool.
- Be sure not to overcook the shells; they should be firm enough to hold their shape when stuffed.
Step 2- Cook the Meat
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool.
- Cooking the meat thoroughly is key to avoiding any foodborne illnesses.
Step 3- Mix the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, the egg, and parsley.
- Add the cooled meat and mix until well combined.
- A good mix ensures each shell is uniformly flavorful.
Step 4- Stuff the Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the cheese and meat mixture and place in the baking dish.
- Fill the shells generously for a truly decadent experience.
Step 5- Bake
- Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- The golden cheese top is not just delicious, it’s also a perfect texture play against the soft pasta.
Notes
- If you have leftover filling, it can be frozen for another batch or used as a terrific dip!
- Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give these stuffed shells with meat an extra kick.