Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe 🍝

Overview:

This dish is a delightful combination of savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and rich sauce nestled inside tender pasta shells. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Originally a cherished recipe from our college days, it’s now a beloved favorite for our whole family. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal prep!

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: Varies

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
3 cups spaghetti sauce
1 package (about 12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish, such as a Corningware or similar oven-safe dish.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined.
Add the Cheeses and Beef: To the egg mixture, add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, all of the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked ground beef. Mix everything together until thoroughly combined.
Fill the Pasta Shells: Carefully spoon the cheese and beef mixture into each cooked pasta shell, filling them generously. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
Layer with Sauce: Pour the spaghetti sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, covering them completely with a generous layer of sauce.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce-covered shells, creating a deliciously gooey cheese topping.
Cover and Bake: Loosely cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors!

Tips for Success:

Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the pasta shells just until they are al dente, as they will continue to soften while baking in the oven. Overcooked shells may become too mushy.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling according to your preferences. You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make-Ahead Option: This dish is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare the stuffed shells as directed, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply remove from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, and bake as instructed.
Freezing Instructions: To freeze leftovers, allow the baked stuffed shells to cool completely, then transfer them to airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 583.9
Total Fat: 38.7g
- Saturated Fat: 20.1g
Cholesterol: 209.8mg
Sodium: 917.3mg
Total Carbohydrates: 19.4g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugars: 8.2g
Protein: 38.5g

Conclusion:

With its hearty filling, gooey cheese topping, and flavorful sauce, these stuffed pasta shells are sure to become a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to impress! So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in a deliciously comforting meal that everyone will love. Enjoy! 🍴