Classic Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Italian Dish

Indulge in the classic Italian comfort food, Stuffed Shells! This hearty and cheesy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a simple yet flavorful filling and a rich marinara sauce, these stuffed shells are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta shells according to package directions. Drain.
2. Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef and minced garlic in a skillet until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Mix the Filling: Combine cooked beef, ricotta, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the Shells: Fill each shell with the beef mixture.
5. Prepare the Sauce: Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Arrange and Bake: Place stuffed shells in the dish, top with remaining sauce and Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes.

Classic Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Italian Dish

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Ingredients

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For the Stuffed Shells:

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta shells according to package directions. Drain.
2. Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef and minced garlic in a skillet until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Mix the Filling: Combine cooked beef, ricotta, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the Shells: Fill each shell with the beef mixture.
5. Prepare the Sauce: Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Arrange and Bake: Place stuffed shells in the dish, top with remaining sauce and Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

• Author: Olivia Chen

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

FAQ:

• Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use other cheeses like provolone or fontina.
• Can I add vegetables to the filling? Yes, you can add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Conclusion:

This classic Stuffed Shells recipe is a timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, and the combination of flavors is simply irresistible.