Pasta Shells with Ground Beef Recipe

Ingredients

• 12-16 large pasta shells (jumbo size)
• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Season the Mixture:
   • Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to combine. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix in the Cheese:
   • In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked ground beef mixture and stir until well combined.

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Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Shells

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff the Shells:
   • Spread about half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Take each pasta shell and fill it generously with the ground beef and cheese mixture. Place the filled shells in the baking dish, open side up.
3. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
   • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese on top.

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Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the Oven:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
   • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

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Step 5: Serve

• Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Pasta Shells with Ground Beef!

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Tips:

• Variations: You can add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the shells and refrigerate before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing: Unbaked stuffed shells can also be frozen for later use. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Enjoy your hearty Pasta Shells with Ground Beef!