Beef And Cheese Stuffed Shells

These stuffed pasta shells taste very similar to lasagna. The ground beef and cheese mixture make this a hearty dinner idea that is easy to make. I like to use my favorite store bought pasta or marinara sauce, but 3 cups of homemade sauce works as well.

The seasonings and spice ratios are to your preference and you can add fresh aromatics if you have them. I used dried seasonings and spices that work just as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9NlfVbUlj4

PRINTABLE RECIPE

Stuffed Shells.pdf

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INGREDIENTS

1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp black pepper

25 jumbo pasta shells

15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese

1 large egg

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

8 oz (227 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

2 oz (57 g) parmesan cheese

24 oz (680 g) jar of your favorite pasta sauce

9 x 13 baking dish

**See YouTube video for detailed recipe video**

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a skillet add ground beef, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder

2. Sauté and brown until cooked through, then set aside to cool

3. Bring 5 quarts of water to a boil, add 1 Tbsp salt, jumbo pasta shells, and cook for 7 minutes

4. Remove parboiled pasta shells from water and spread out on an oiled baking sheet to cool

5. In a large bowl add ricotta cheese, egg, 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, salt, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, 3/4 of the cooked ground beef, and mix well

6. To a greased baking dish add 1 cup of marinara sauce

7. Stuff 20 pasta shells with 2 1/2 heaping Tbsp of meat cheese filling and place into baking dish

8. Sprinkle the remaining ground beef all over the stuffed shells then pour over the remaining marinara sauce

9. Sprinkle over the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and cover baking dish with foil

10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F / 176 degrees C for 20 minutes

11. Uncover and continue baking for and additional 15 to 20 minutes

12. Remove from oven, set for 10 to 15 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve