Can you put ground beef in stuffed shells?

Absolutely! Ground beef is one of the most popular fillings for stuffed shells because it adds hearty flavor and pairs perfectly with ricotta cheese and marinara sauce. For even more depth, you can combine beef with ground pork or Italian sausage.

Do you cook shells before stuffing them?

Yes, jumbo pasta shells should be cooked until slightly undercooked, or “al dente,” before stuffing. This ensures they stay firm enough to handle the filling and don’t become mushy during baking.

What meat to put in stuffed shells?

While ground beef is a classic choice, you can also use turkey, chicken, or pork. Some people like to mix beef with sausage for a richer flavor. Meat alternatives, like plant-based crumbles, can also be used for a vegetarian twist.

What ingredients are in stuffed shells?

The base ingredients include jumbo pasta shells, ground beef (or another protein), ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, marinara sauce, garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. Optional additions like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables can be included to customize the dish.

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef – The Best Recipe You’ll Love

Description

A hearty and cheesy pasta dish, these Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef are filled with seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella (plus extra for topping)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg (beaten)

2 cups marinara sauce

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1/2 medium onion (chopped)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until slightly undercooked (al dente). Drain and rinse with cold water.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Let it cool slightly.

4. In a bowl, combine cooked beef, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and beaten egg to make the filling.

5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

6. Stuff each shell with the beef-cheese mixture and arrange in the dish.

7. Cover the shells with remaining marinara sauce and top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.

8. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve hot.

Notes

For added flavor, mix some sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the filling.

Use a combination of mozzarella and provolone for a richer cheese topping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2-3 shells
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 75mg