Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe π
Overview:
Stuffed Pasta Shells is a delightful dish that captivates taste buds with its harmonious blend of flavors. The combination of ground beef, cheeses, and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive buffet spread. With a prep time of just 25 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 25 minutes, this recipe is both convenient and rewarding. Let’s dive into the details of creating this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need for the Stuffed Pasta Shells:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 eggs
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to prepare the Stuffed Pasta Shells:
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Prepare Beef Mixture:
- Brown the ground beef in a frying pan over medium heat until it’s cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and continue cooking until the onion becomes tender.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture, then add salt to taste. Set aside and allow it to cool.
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Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and dried basil. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Once the beef mixture has cooled down, add it to the cheese mixture in the bowl.
- Crack the eggs into the mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined. This mixture will serve as the delicious filling for our pasta shells.
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Prepare Pasta Shells:
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente.
- Once cooked, rinse the shells under cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain them thoroughly.
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Stuff the Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the beef and cheese mixture, ensuring each shell is generously filled.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish, ensuring they are snugly packed together.
- Pour your favorite pasta sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, ensuring each shell gets a generous coating.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the Stuffed Pasta Shells are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the shells hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired, and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures with your loved ones.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 682.5
- Fat Content: 43.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 21.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 274.1mg
- Sodium Content: 1474.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 24.1g
- Fiber Content: 0.9g
- Sugar Content: 16.1g
- Protein Content: 46.5g
Serving Size:
This recipe yields approximately 5 servings, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Each serving is packed with flavor and satisfaction, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Final Thoughts:
Stuffed Pasta Shells is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy and comfort to the table. The tender pasta shells, flavorful beef and cheese filling, and rich tomato sauce come together to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or simply looking for a new recipe to impress your guests, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in the delightful flavors of Stuffed Pasta Shells!
