Every time I make Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight, it brings back those cozy memories of family gatherings around the dinner table. The smell of savory ground beef mixed with rich marinara sauce and creamy cheese wafting through the air is simply irresistible. I remember trying this dish for the first time when my daughter asked for something cheesy and comforting after a long week at school. After that, it quickly became a household favorite. You know how it is when you find that one recipe that everyone loves? It feels like a little victory in the kitchen! I know that once you give this dish a try, it will warm your heart just like it does mine.
How to make Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight
Ingredients: To create these delicious Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: This is the star of the show! It adds that hearty texture and flavor that everyone loves.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: This rich sauce brings a beautiful depth of flavor and moisture to the pasta.
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese: Creamy and slightly sweet, this cheese is perfect for stuffing those shells.
- 12 jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are perfect for holding all that delicious filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? Mozzarella adds that wonderful creamy texture when melted.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little garlic goes a long way in enhancing flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend gives you that classic Italian vibe that pairs so well with beef and cheese.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Just the right touch to finish off the cheese blend.
- 1 egg: This helps bind the ricotta mixture together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in your dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh touch that brightens up the dish and makes it look beautiful.
I love adding seasonal ingredients if I have them on hand. You could even add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the mix for an extra veggie boost.
Cooking Steps:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C): This is a crucial step! Preheating ensures that the shells cook evenly. I always find that a well-preheated oven makes all the difference!
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Cook the jumbo pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. You want them firm enough to hold the filling, but soft enough that they won’t crack. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside to cool.
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Brown the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once it’s cooked, drain the excess fat. Trust me, this step helps keep your dish from becoming greasy.
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Add marinara sauce to the beef: Once drained, mix in the marinara sauce with the ground beef. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld those flavors together. The smell will be incredible, and your family will probably start asking what’s for dinner!
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Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it well until it’s smooth and creamy. It should look irresistible!
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Spread the meat sauce: Take half of the meat sauce and spread it evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. This creates a bed for the shells and keeps them nice and moist.
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Stuff the shells: Now for the fun part! Take each jumbo pasta shell and stuff it with the ricotta mixture. Don’t be shy; fill them up! Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, side by side.
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Add remaining sauce: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells. Make sure they’re all covered nicely. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. This is the part I always look forward to!
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
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Garnish and serve: Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes. I love garnishing with fresh parsley just before serving—it adds such a beautiful color and freshness to the dish.
Why I Love Making This Dish:
Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight has a special place in my heart. It’s one of those dishes that speaks comfort and togetherness. The joy of seeing my family gather around the table, excited to dig into these cheesy, flavorful shells, is priceless. My grandchildren often ask for seconds (and thirds!), which brings me so much joy. It’s simple, satisfying, and truly embodies everything a family meal should be.
What You’ll Need:
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just the basics: a cooking pot, a skillet, a mixing bowl, and a baking dish will do. A wooden spoon for mixing and a spatula for serving can be handy too!
Tips for Perfect Results:
- Always taste your meat sauce before you pour it over the shells. Adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra salt or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavors even more!
- If you like a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top before baking. Just a light layer will give it a lovely texture.
Serving Suggestions and Sides:
I love serving these Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight with a simple green salad on the side. A crunchy Caesar salad pairs beautifully with the rich cheese and beef. Garlic bread is another excellent addition; who can resist that? You might also consider pairing it with a glass of red wine or a fun homemade lemonade for a refreshing touch.
Leftovers:
If you happen to have leftovers (which I find hard to believe!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist!
FAQ Section:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
You absolutely can! Ground turkey is a wonderful alternative that keeps the dish lighter. Just remember to season it well since turkey can be a bit bland on its own.
Can I freeze these stuffed shells?
Yes, you can freeze them! If you want to prep ahead, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just bake them straight from the freezer, adding extra bake time.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute. Just blend it in a food processor to make it smoother.
Do I have to use jumbo shells?
While jumbo shells are traditional for this recipe, you can use manicotti shells or even a lasagna noodle to create layers instead. Just adjust your baking time if needed!
This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. There’s something so special about sharing good food with the people you love. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time. Happy cooking!