How does one dinner transform an ordinary evening into a Holiday Pasta Dinner celebration that brings families together around the table? The answer lies in the magic of Holiday Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef, a dish that combines comfort, tradition, and irresistible flavors in every bite. This Italian Christmas Meal centerpiece goes beyond typical weeknight cooking, creating moments of connection while filling your home with aromatic herbs and melted cheese.
When holiday stress builds and gift lists grow longer, having a reliable Family Comfort Food recipe becomes essential. These Holiday Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef deliver both convenience and sophistication, allowing you to serve an impressive Festive Dinner Recipe without spending hours in the kitchen. Moreover, this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta appeals to picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike, making it perfect for multi-generational gatherings.
Furthermore, this Easy Oven Pasta proves that holiday cooking doesn’t require culinary school training. Instead, simple techniques and quality ingredients create restaurant-worthy results that will have guests requesting the recipe. Whether planning your Christmas menu or seeking a memorable Holiday Meal Idea, this Stuffed Shell Recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and the kind of satisfaction that defines perfect holiday dining.
Ingredients
Creating this spectacular Holiday Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef requires fresh, quality ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor that make this Stuffed Shell Recipe truly special.
For the Shells:
- 20 large pasta shells (jumbo conchiglie)
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (prevents sticking)
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk variety)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (secret ingredient)
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (high-quality jarred or homemade)
- 1/2 cup additional mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil for garnish
Substitution Options: Ground turkey or Italian sausage work excellently instead of beef. Additionally, part-skim ricotta reduces calories while maintaining creamy texture. For dairy-free versions, use cashew-based cheese alternatives, though texture will differ slightly.
Timing
This Holiday Pasta Dinner requires strategic timing to achieve perfect results without rushing. Total preparation takes approximately 90 minutes, which proves 20% faster than comparable baked pasta recipes.
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Boiling shells: 15 minutes
- Cooking beef mixture: 12 minutes
- Preparing cheese filling: 8 minutes
- Assembly process: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Baking covered: 25 minutes
- Final browning: 10 minutes
Total Time: 80-90 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes (crucial for clean slicing)
Smart cooks can prepare this Easy Oven Pasta earlier in the day, then bake when guests arrive. This approach actually improves flavors as ingredients meld together during refrigeration.
Prepare the Pasta Shells
Begin this Festive Dinner Recipe by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like mild seawater, which properly seasons the pasta from within. Add the jumbo shells carefully, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
Cook shells for exactly 2 minutes less than package directions indicate. This technique, called “al dente minus,” prevents mushy shells during baking. Typically, this means 8-9 minutes for most brands. Test one shell by cutting it open; the center should still show a thin white line.
Immediately drain shells in a colander, then rinse with cool water to stop cooking. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently. This prevents shells from sticking together and tearing during stuffing. Set aside in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel.
Create the Beef Filling
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook without stirring initially, allowing the meat to develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes.
Break beef into smaller pieces and continue cooking until no pink remains. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
Add diced onions to the beef, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and basil, cooking for another 30 seconds until aromatic. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat. This savory mixture forms the heart of your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta.
Mix the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the beaten egg. Whisking these together creates a smooth, creamy base that binds beautifully during baking. Add half of the mozzarella cheese, all the Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley.
The secret ingredient in this Italian Christmas Meal is a pinch of nutmeg, which adds warmth and depth without overwhelming other flavors. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients blend evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
This cheese mixture should feel rich and creamy, with visible flecks of herbs throughout. The consistency should hold together well but remain spreadable for easy stuffing.
Assemble the Stuffed Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F while preparing for assembly. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents shells from sticking and adds moisture during cooking.
Hold each shell gently in your palm, opening it carefully to avoid tearing. Fill each shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture, followed by 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Don’t overstuff, as shells may split during baking.
Arrange filled shells seam-side up in the prepared dish. They should fit snugly but not be crowded. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells, allowing it to flow between them. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, creating a tent to prevent cheese from sticking. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and cheese to melt throughout.
Remove foil and continue baking for 8-10 minutes until the top turns golden brown and sauce bubbles actively around the edges. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when tested with an instant-read thermometer.
Let the Holiday Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef rest for 10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents a watery presentation. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful finishing touch.
Nutritional Information
This Family Comfort Food provides substantial nutrition while satisfying holiday cravings. Each serving (3 shells) contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 | 24% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Calcium | 380mg | 38% |
| Iron | 3.2mg | 18% |
The high protein content comes from both ground beef and ricotta cheese, making this dish particularly satisfying. Additionally, the calcium content supports bone health, while iron contributes to healthy blood function. Each serving provides nearly one-third of daily protein needs, making it an excellent choice for active families.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Holiday Meal Idea into a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Start by substituting 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey, reducing fat content by approximately 35%. These alternatives work beautifully in this Stuffed Shell Recipe.
Replace regular ricotta with part-skim or low-fat versions, saving 40 calories per serving while maintaining creamy texture. Furthermore, add finely chopped spinach or zucchini to the cheese mixture, increasing fiber and vegetable intake significantly.
For those following specific dietary plans, whole wheat shells add extra fiber and nutrients. Meanwhile, using sugar-free marinara sauce reduces carbohydrates for those managing blood sugar levels. These modifications create a healthier Holiday Pasta Dinner that still feels indulgent and satisfying.
Consider using half ground beef and half finely chopped mushrooms for umami flavor with fewer calories. This technique reduces meat content while maintaining the rich, savory taste that makes this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta so appealing.
Serving Suggestions
Present this Festive Dinner Recipe with complementary sides that balance richness and add color to your holiday table. A crisp Caesar salad provides textural contrast, while garlic bread satisfies carbohydrate lovers completely.
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans add nutritional value and visual appeal. Their slight bitterness perfectly balances the rich, cheesy flavors in this Easy Oven Pasta. Additionally, a light Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the beef and tomato flavors.
For family-style serving, place the baking dish on a decorative trivet and let guests help themselves. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a side salad for more formal presentations. Garnish each plate with fresh basil and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
This Italian Christmas Meal also works wonderfully as part of a larger buffet, alongside other holiday favorites like roasted chicken or glazed ham.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking pasta shells ranks as the most frequent error when preparing this Holiday Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef. Shells should remain slightly firm, as they continue cooking during baking. Test frequently during boiling to achieve perfect texture.
Another common mistake involves overstuffing shells, which causes them to split and creates messy presentation. Use measured portions and gentle handling to maintain shell integrity throughout the process.
Additionally, skipping the resting period after baking results in watery, difficult-to-serve portions. The 10-minute rest allows sauce to thicken and flavors to settle properly. Cover loosely with foil to retain heat during this crucial waiting period.
Finally, using low-quality marinara sauce significantly impacts final flavor. Choose brands with simple ingredients or make homemade sauce for the best results in this Holiday Pasta Dinner.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This Family Comfort Food stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers. Cool completely before refrigerating, which typically takes 2-3 hours at room temperature. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers.
Properly stored Holiday Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef maintain quality for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label clearly with contents and date for easy identification.
When reheating, add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave reheating works for single portions, using 50% power to heat evenly.
This Stuffed Shell Recipe actually improves slightly after a day, as flavors continue developing during storage. Therefore, making it ahead often results in even better taste.
Conclusion
Holiday Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef represents everything wonderful about holiday cooking: comfort, tradition, and the ability to bring people together around amazing food. This Holiday Pasta Dinner combines simple techniques with premium ingredients to create memorable meals that guests will discuss long after the evening ends.
Whether serving this Italian Christmas Meal for intimate family gatherings or larger celebrations, the recipe adapts beautifully to different occasions and group sizes. The make-ahead friendly nature means less stress during busy holiday seasons, while the impressive presentation suggests hours of careful preparation.
Most importantly, this Family Comfort Food creates the kind of warm, satisfying experience that defines perfect holiday entertaining. Try this Festive Dinner Recipe at your next gathering, and discover how simple ingredients can create extraordinary moments around your dinner table.
FAQs
Can I make Holiday Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the initial baking time to account for the cold start. This Easy Oven Pasta actually benefits from overnight resting.
What’s the best way to prevent shells from breaking during stuffing?
Cook shells 2 minutes less than package directions and handle them gently when cool. Use a small spoon to fill carefully, supporting the shell with your other hand. Quality pasta brands tend to be more durable during this process.
Can I freeze this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta?
Yes, this Holiday Meal Idea freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating, then bake as directed with slightly longer cooking time.
How do I know when the stuffed shells are fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F, the sauce should bubble actively, and the cheese on top should be golden brown. The shells should feel tender when pierced with a fork, indicating proper cooking throughout.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese works well when drained and blended smooth. Alternatively, cream cheese mixed with a little milk creates similar richness. For dairy-free options, use cashew-based alternatives, though texture will differ from traditional ricotta.
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