Are you searching for a dish that’s not only hearty and satisfying but also packs a flavorful punch? Look no further than Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells! Imagine creamy pasta shells stuffed to perfection with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and a rich tomato sauce—yum! This dish is beloved by families for its easy preparation and mouth-watering taste, making it a go-to dinner for busy weeknights. Did you know that stuffed pasta dates back to ancient times? This classic recipe has evolved, but the essential comfort remains the same!
What makes Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells special is not just the taste but the memories created around the dinner table. Whether you serve it for a cozy family meal or as an impressive dish at a potluck, it’s guaranteed to please a crowd. If you love comforting casseroles like our Cheesy Baked Ziti, this recipe will quickly become a favorite, too! It’s time to roll up your sleeves and whip up some stuffed shells that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What are Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells?
You might be asking, “Why the name Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells?” Well, let’s dive into that! The term “stuffed shells” refers to the large pasta shells that are generously filled with a scrumptious mixture—think of it as a pasta pocket full of deliciousness! And who doesn’t love a savory meal? It’s the ideal way to impress your loved ones and ensure their bellies are happy. After all, as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So why not treat them to this delightful dish? Give it a try, and let’s see if it becomes a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells are truly a culinary delight. First, the dish offers pure comfort—when you take a bite, the rich, savory filling combined with melty cheese and ample sauce brings a smile to your face. Second, making this dish at home is cost-effective and budget-friendly. You can whip up a large batch that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prep for the week ahead.
And let’s not forget about the toppings! A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped parsley can add that extra touch of flavor and presentation. If you love this recipe, consider checking out our Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells for a delightful vegetarian twist! Are you ready to make these gems?
How to Make Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Quick Overview
Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells are a breeze to prepare! With a preparation time of just 30 minutes and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. This dish is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Key Ingredients for Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
To make Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce (plus additional for layering)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Boil the Shells: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the large pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large 9×13 baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the ground beef mixture, then place the stuffed shells in the dish seam side up.
- Add This Sauce and Cheese: Top the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.
What to Serve Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells With
Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a light Caesar salad for a refreshing crunch or some garlic bread for that perfect duo of carbs. You could also complement it with steamed vegetables or a classic caprese salad to brighten the meal. Don’t forget a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing beverage!
Top Tips for Perfecting Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
To ensure your Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’d like to use ground turkey or chicken, that works beautifully too! Just ensure to keep an eye on the cooking times as leaner meats often cook faster.
- Cooking the Shells: Make sure not to overcook the shells; you want them firm enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
- Extra Flavor: Feel free to explore! Adding spinach or mushrooms to the filling can introduce more flavors and nutrients to the dish.
- Avoid Overstuffing: Don’t overfill the pasta shells; it can make them difficult to handle and bake evenly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is often the case!), here’s how to store them for optimal freshness. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the stuffed shells for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot and melty.
With these tips, techniques, and a delicious recipe at your fingertips, Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells will elevate your dinner table and create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Happy cooking!
Savory Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 12 large shells 12 large pasta shells For stuffing
- 1 pound 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option
- 2 cups 2 cups marinara sauce Plus additional for layering
- 1 cup 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping
- 1 cup 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning For flavoring
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil Fresh basil (for garnish) Optional garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the large pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the shells and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.
Assembly
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large 9x13 baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the ground beef mixture, then place the stuffed shells in the dish seam side up.
- Top the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.
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