The Best Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box Jumbo pasta shells
12 ounce
- 1 lb. ground beef)
(you can substitute with ground turkey, ground Italian sausage, or ground chicken
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese
divided), (you can substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 container ricotta cheese
15 ounce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup pesto
- 1 jar marinara sauce
24 ounce
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
- 2
Cook pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain; rinse under cold water.
- 3
Meanwhile, brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off fat; let cool slightly before adding to the filling.
- 4
Combine 1 ½ cups of the shredded Italian blend cheese, all of the ricotta cheese, all of the Parmesan cheese, the egg, the pesto, and half of the beef and onion mixture in a large bowl. Set aside.
- 5
Spread ¾ cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. In a bowl, stir together the remaining marinara sauce and the remaining half of the beef and onion mixture. Set aside.
- 6
Fill the cooked, cooled pasta shells with the ricotta mixture. Arrange the shells in the baking dish.
- 7
Top the shells with the marinara sauce mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Italian cheese blend over top.
- 8
Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for 10 more minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve!
The Best Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving a deeply satisfying, cheesy pasta dish that feels gourmet yet comforting? This recipe for stuffed pasta shells delivers on all fronts, bringing together rich flavors for a meal your family will adore.
What makes these stuffed shells truly stand out is the masterful combination of three distinct cheeses—creamy ricotta, sharp Parmesan, and a savory Italian blend—plus a secret ingredient that elevates every bite. The robust filling is built upon hearty ground beef, perfectly seasoned, ensuring a satisfying experience that goes beyond typical weeknight fare. The secret? A touch of bright pesto woven into the cheese mixture, adding an herbaceous depth that makes all the difference.
Prepare for a hearty, savory dish where tender jumbo pasta shells cradle a generously rich, flavorful filling. Each bite offers a delightful texture contrast, with the soft pasta yielding to the substantial, cheesy meat mixture. The marinara sauce ties everything together, providing a tangy counterpoint to the savory filling, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious meal perfect for a special family dinner or a comforting weekend feast. This dish is designed to be substantial, offering eight servings of pure comfort food.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adapt these stuffed shells to your preferences or what you have on hand. Instead of ground beef, you can easily substitute with ground turkey, ground Italian sausage for an extra kick, or ground chicken for a lighter option. If an Italian blend cheese isn't readily available, shredded mozzarella cheese makes an excellent alternative, offering that familiar melty goodness. For an extra pop of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil as a garnish is highly recommended.
Serve these delectable stuffed pasta shells as the star of your next family meal or when entertaining a crowd. They pair beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread, making for a complete and utterly satisfying dining experience.