Last week, my neighbor knocked on my door asking about the incredible aroma floating from my kitchen. The answer was simple: Ground Beef Italian Stuffed Shells bubbling away in my oven, creating pure comfort food magic. This classic stuffed shells recipe transforms ordinary jumbo pasta shells into a spectacular oven baked italian dinner that brings families together around the table.
Furthermore, this hearty beef pasta casserole delivers everything you want in a comfort food pasta bake. Rich marinara sauce mingles with creamy ricotta, while seasoned ground beef provides satisfying protein. Additionally, melted mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible golden top that makes this dish perfect for family italian meals. Therefore, whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this cheesy shell bake never fails to impress.
Moreover, the beauty of italian stuffed shells lies in their versatility and make-ahead convenience. Consequently, busy families love how this beef stuffed pasta recipe feeds a crowd while requiring minimal hands-on time. Meanwhile, the combination of familiar flavors creates a dish that pleases both picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
Ingredients
This Ground Beef Italian Stuffed Shells recipe requires simple, quality ingredients that work together harmoniously. First, gather these essential components for your italian stuffed shells masterpiece:
For the Pasta and Meat:
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 blend recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For Assembly:
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves for garnish
Smart Substitutions:
Meanwhile, ground turkey or Italian sausage work beautifully instead of beef. Additionally, part-skim ricotta reduces calories without sacrificing creaminess. Furthermore, gluten-free jumbo shells accommodate dietary restrictions perfectly.
Timing
This cheesy shell bake requires approximately 90 minutes total, which is 20% faster than traditional lasagna recipes. Here’s your time breakdown for this comfort food pasta bake:
| Phase | Time Required | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Work | 25 minutes | Cooking shells, browning meat, mixing filling |
| Assembly | 15 minutes | Stuffing shells, arranging in dish |
| Baking Time | 45 minutes | Covered baking plus cheese melting |
| Rest Period | 5 minutes | Allows flavors to settle |
Therefore, plan accordingly when serving this oven baked italian dinner. Additionally, the hands-on time totals just 40 minutes, making this hearty beef pasta casserole surprisingly manageable for busy schedules.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta Shells Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Next, add jumbo shells and cook for 9-10 minutes until al dente. Importantly, slightly undercook the pasta since it continues cooking during baking. Meanwhile, drain carefully and rinse with cool water to stop cooking. Subsequently, arrange shells cut-side down on a clean kitchen towel to drain completely.
Prepare the Savory Beef Mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Next, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Additionally, stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Finally, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Create the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella. Furthermore, add chopped parsley and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Then, gently fold in the cooled beef mixture, creating a rich, flavorful filling for your beef stuffed pasta.
Assemble Your Masterpiece
Preheat oven to 375°F. First, spread 1 cup marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, carefully stuff each shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef-cheese mixture. Meanwhile, arrange stuffed shells seam-side up in the prepared dish. Subsequently, spoon remaining marinara sauce over shells, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. Finally, let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the classic stuffed shells recipe to set properly for clean serving portions.
Nutritional Information
This Ground Beef Italian Stuffed Shells recipe provides substantial nutrition for family italian meals. Each serving (approximately 3 stuffed shells) contains:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 | 24% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Fat | 22g | 28% |
| Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Calcium | 380mg | 30% |
| Iron | 4.2mg | 23% |
Additionally, this hearty beef pasta casserole provides excellent protein from multiple sources. Furthermore, ricotta cheese contributes significant calcium for bone health. Meanwhile, the marinara sauce adds lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Therefore, this dish balances indulgence with nutritional value effectively.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this comfort food pasta bake into a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. First, substitute ground turkey breast for beef, reducing fat content by 35%. Additionally, use part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella to cut calories significantly.
Moreover, whole wheat shells boost fiber content substantially. Furthermore, adding finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach increases nutrient density. Meanwhile, reducing cheese by 25% and adding extra herbs maintains rich flavor with fewer calories.
Smart Swaps:
- Greek yogurt replaces half the ricotta for added protein
- Cauliflower rice mixed with ground meat increases vegetables
- Sugar-free marinara sauce reduces carbohydrates
- Turkey Italian sausage adds flavor with less fat
Consequently, these modifications create a healthier version while preserving the soul-satisfying qualities that make italian stuffed shells so appealing.
Serving Suggestions
Present this cheesy shell bake with complementary sides that complete the Italian dining experience. First, serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons. Additionally, warm garlic bread provides the perfect vehicle for sopping up extra marinara sauce.
Furthermore, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus adds vibrant color and nutrients. Meanwhile, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Therefore, these pairings create a well-rounded oven baked italian dinner.
Wine Pairing Recommendations:
- Chianti Classico complements the beef perfectly
- Pinot Grigio offers a lighter alternative
- Sangiovese pairs wonderfully with tomato-based sauces
Moreover, garnish individual plates with fresh basil leaves and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese. Subsequently, serve immediately while the cheese remains molten and irresistible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cooks can stumble with beef stuffed pasta preparation. First, overcooking the shells creates a mushy texture that won’t hold filling properly. Additionally, undercooking ground beef leaves unpleasant textures and food safety concerns.
Furthermore, overstuffing shells causes them to burst during baking, creating a messy presentation. Meanwhile, insufficient seasoning in the meat mixture results in bland, disappointing flavors. Therefore, taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
Critical Success Tips:
- Cool beef mixture before combining with cheese to prevent melting
- Use a spoon or piping bag for neat, efficient shell stuffing
- Cover tightly during initial baking to prevent moisture loss
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety
Consequently, attention to these details separates good classic stuffed shells recipe results from truly exceptional ones.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Proper storage extends the life of your hearty beef pasta casserole significantly. First, refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking in airtight containers. Additionally, this dish stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored.
Moreover, freezing works exceptionally well with this recipe. Therefore, assemble unbaked shells in freezer-safe dishes, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Furthermore, frozen shells maintain quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Refrigerated: Microwave individual portions for 90 seconds
- Frozen: Thaw overnight, then bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes
- Oven method: Cover with foil, heat at 325°F for 20-25 minutes
Meanwhile, add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce when reheating to maintain moisture. Subsequently, this prevents the comfort food pasta bake from drying out during reheating.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Italian Stuffed Shells recipe delivers everything you want in family italian meals: comfort, flavor, and satisfaction. Moreover, the combination of tender pasta, savory beef, creamy cheese, and rich marinara sauce creates pure culinary magic. Furthermore, the make-ahead convenience makes this cheesy shell bake perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Therefore, gather your ingredients and create this memorable oven baked italian dinner tonight. Additionally, don’t forget to share your results and variations in the comments below. Meanwhile, try experimenting with different cheese combinations or vegetable additions to make this recipe uniquely yours.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the italian stuffed shells completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Q: What’s the best way to stuff the shells without breaking them?
A: Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill each shell gently. Additionally, make sure shells are completely drained and cooled before stuffing.
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes! This beef stuffed pasta freezes beautifully either before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Q: How do I know when the shells are perfectly cooked?
A: The cheese should bubble and turn golden brown, while the internal temperature reaches 165°F throughout. Additionally, the shells should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Q: What vegetables work well in this recipe?
A: Finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms blend seamlessly into the beef mixture, adding nutrition and flavor to your classic stuffed shells recipe.
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