Are you looking for a delicious and easy stuffed shell recipe that will impress your family and friends? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through a simple yet flavorful stuffed shell recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a special dinner or just want to enjoy a comforting dish, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that combines the rich flavors of cheese and ground meat with the comforting texture of pasta. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, as it requires minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering stuffed shell dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy stuffed shell recipe:
- 1 pound of jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
7. Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, then place the shells in the greased baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the stuffed shells.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed shells.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
With this easy stuffed shell recipe, you can now enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this dish can be!
