Stuffed Shells with Meat Recipe

This recipe is a classic Italian dish that combines the flavors of pasta, meat, and cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for special occasions or a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook while you prepare the cheese filling.
6. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
8. Pour the meat sauce over the stuffed shells and top with additional mozzarella cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips

To ensure that your stuffed shells turn out perfectly, make sure to cook the pasta shells until they’re al dente. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy.

Also, don’t overfill the pasta shells with the cheese mixture, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. Fill them just enough so that they’re full, but not overflowing.

Finally, you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes by adding other ingredients to the cheese filling, such as diced ham or spinach. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!

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