Gabriella D'AgostinoStuffed shells with meat is a classic Italian-American dish that is perfect for a hearty and comforting meal. The shells are filled with a mixture of ground beef, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, and then baked in a tomato sauce. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Stuffed shells are relatively easy to make, but they do take some time to prepare. The shells need to be cooked al dente, and the filling needs to be cooked through. However, the end result is worth the effort. Stuffed shells are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.
- Add onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and 1 cup of the tomato sauce.
- Spoon ricotta mixture into the pasta shells.
- Place the stuffed shells in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the shells.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
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1. For a vegetarian version of this dish, substitute crumbled tofu for the ground beef.
Tofu is a great source of protein and it has a mild flavor that will not overpower the other ingredients in the dish.
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2. If you don’t have any ricotta cheese, you can substitute cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and it has a similar texture to ricotta cheese.
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3. To make the shells easier to stuff, use a spoon to scoop out some of the pasta from the center of each shell.
This will create a small cavity that will be easier to fill with the ricotta mixture.
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4. If you want a cheesier dish, add extra Parmesan cheese to the ricotta mixture.
You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the shells before baking.
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5. To make the dish more flavorful, add some chopped fresh herbs to the ricotta mixture.
Some good options include basil, oregano, or parsley.
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6. If you don’t have any tomato sauce, you can substitute a can of diced tomatoes.
Be sure to season the tomatoes with some Italian seasoning or oregano.
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7. To make the dish ahead of time, assemble the shells and place them in a baking dish.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake the shells according to the directions above.
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8. Stuffed shells can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To freeze, assemble the shells and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the shells overnight in the refrigerator and then bake according to the directions above.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to cook stuffed shells?
Stuffed shells can be baked in the oven or cooked in a slow cooker. If you are baking the shells, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the cheese is melted. If you are cooking the shells in a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the shells are heated through and the cheese is melted.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like. Some good options include penne, rigatoni, or ziti.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the shells and place them in a baking dish. Cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake the shells according to the directions above.
4. Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed shells for up to 2 months. To freeze, assemble the shells and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the shells overnight in the refrigerator and then bake according to the directions above.
Stuffed shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a casual weeknight meal.
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