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- 20 jumbo pasta shells - 1 pound ground beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping) - 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 cups marinara sauce - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh ground beef has better flavor. Look for ground beef that is bright red and moist. The onion should be firm with no soft spots. Choose garlic that feels heavy for its size. Use real cheese for the best taste. Avoid pre-shredded cheese when you can. You can switch out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. For a vegetarian option, try using cooked lentils or mushrooms. If you are lactose intolerant, use dairy-free cheese. You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mix if needed. Use gluten-free pasta shells if you need a gluten-free meal. You can also use marinara sauce without added sugar for a healthier choice. First, you need to cook the jumbo pasta shells. Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. Cook the shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 9-11 minutes. Once done, drain them gently. Place the shells on a lightly greased baking sheet. This step prevents them from sticking together. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the beef browns and the onion turns soft. This process takes about 7-8 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking. This keeps the filling light and tasty. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, one cup of mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is creamy. Now, add the cooked beef mixture to this cheese blend. Stir well to ensure it combines smoothly. Fill each pasta shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture. In a baking dish, spread one cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Carefully arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Make sure they are well covered to keep them moist. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top. This gives a nice cheesy finish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. Once they are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy your savory best stuffed shells with ground beef! For the full recipe, check the previous section. To create a great cheese mixture, use fresh cheeses. I love using ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix these cheeses in a bowl with one large egg. The egg helps bind everything together. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. This blend makes the filling rich and creamy. Start with high-quality ground beef. Ground chuck works well because it has good fat content. This gives the beef flavor and keeps it juicy. Sauté the beef with finely chopped onion and minced garlic. This step builds a strong base of flavor. Make sure to drain any excess fat. You want the beef to shine in your stuffed shells. To prevent sticking, lightly grease your baking sheet before placing the cooked shells. After boiling the pasta, let them cool slightly before filling. This helps avoid tearing. Bake your stuffed shells covered for part of the time to keep moisture in. Remove the foil near the end to let the cheese brown nicely. Following these tips ensures a tasty dish without any mess. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can easily make stuffed shells without meat. Use spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini instead. Mix these veggies with ricotta cheese for a tasty filling. Adding herbs like basil or parsley gives a fresh taste. You can also blend in some artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. This vegetarian twist keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also mix in some spicy Italian sausage for more flavor. Another fun option is to layer in roasted red peppers or a dash of hot sauce in the marinara. These spicy additions can turn your stuffed shells into a bold and exciting dish. While marinara sauce is classic, you can try a creamy Alfredo sauce instead. This sauce pairs well with the cheesy filling and adds a rich taste. For cheese, consider using goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile. Mixing different cheeses, like gouda or fontina, can also give a unique twist. Try experimenting with combinations that suit your taste. Each variation can elevate your stuffed shells to new heights. You can find the full recipe above to bring these ideas to life! To keep your stuffed shells fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing. When you’re ready to eat, reheat your stuffed shells. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot. Freezing is a great way to save time. You can freeze stuffed shells before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap them tightly in foil. Label them with the date. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer. To cook from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. If baked, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your delicious meal anytime! To avoid watery stuffed shells, drain excess liquid from the meat. After cooking the beef, let it sit briefly to remove steam. Use thick marinara sauce instead of watery ones. You can also add breadcrumbs to absorb moisture. This keeps the filling nice and firm. Yes, you can use other meats. Ground turkey or chicken can work well. They offer a lighter taste. For a richer flavor, try Italian sausage. If you want a vegetarian option, use cooked lentils or mushrooms. Each choice gives a unique twist to your stuffed shells. To reheat stuffed shells, use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. If you want, add some extra cheese on top before reheating. This makes them extra cheesy and delicious. Yes, you can prepare stuffed shells ahead. Assemble them and cover with foil. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake as usual. You can also freeze them for later. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. To wrap up, we covered essential tips for making delicious stuffed shells. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tricks to perfect the dish. You learned how to customize your shells for different diets and flavors. Storing and reheating them correctly ensures tasty meals later. Remember, keeping ingredients fresh is key. With this knowledge, you can create a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy making stuffed shells your way!

Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Cheesy Beefy Shells Delight! This mouthwatering dish features jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is easy to follow and absolutely satisfying. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 large egg

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

3 cups marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside on a lightly greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.

      In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.

        In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

          Add the cooked beef mixture to the cheese mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.

            Fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the beef and cheese mixture.

              In a baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Carefully arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well covered.

                Sprinkle the extra mozzarella cheese on top for that cheesy goodness.

                  Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                    Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6