Italian Stuffed Shells – Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our delectable Italian Stuffed Shells recipe! This dish is a true family favorite, packed with rich flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine tender pasta shells stuffed with a luscious cheese mixture, bathed in a savory tomato sauce, and generously topped with gooey, melted mozzarella. It’s a true taste of Italy that will transport you to the heart of Rome! Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or craving some comfort food, this dish is bound to be a winner on your dinner table.
I remember the first time I made Italian Stuffed Shells for my little family. My husband’s eyes lit up with joy as the enticing aroma filled our kitchen. He couldn’t wait to dive into this cheesy delight, and our little ones were just as eager! As we savored each bite together, smiles spread across our faces, and it instantly became a cherished recipe in our household. Now, whenever we have friends over for dinner, this dish is always at the top of the menu. It’s not just a meal; it’s a moment that brings us all closer together.
Why This Italian Stuffed Shells Recipe is a Must-Try?
- Irresistible Cheesy Filling: Our Italian Stuffed Shells are generously filled with a velvety blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and aromatic Italian seasoning. The cheese mixture adds a creamy, indulgent touch to each bite, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Savory Tomato Sauce: The secret to our mouthwatering sauce lies in the combination of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, slowly simmered to perfection with seasoned ground beef. It’s a harmonious symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re entertaining guests or cooking for your family, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its comforting and satisfying nature makes it suitable for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to celebratory gatherings.
- Simple and Versatile: Don’t be fooled by its impressive taste—this recipe is surprisingly easy to make! The step-by-step instructions will guide you effortlessly through the process. Plus, you can always get creative with the ingredients—try adding spinach or mushrooms to the filling for an extra twist.
Ingredients:
- 450g ground beef (approximately 1 lb.)
- 425g can crushed tomatoes (15 oz.)
- 425g can tomato sauce (15 oz.)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 20 large pasta shells
- 425g ricotta cheese (15 oz.)
- 1 egg
- 113g shredded Parmesan cheese (4 oz.)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 226g mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
Directions:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Season the beef with onion powder and garlic powder, stirring until well combined.
Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet with the beef. Simmer the sauce while you cook the pasta shells.
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them gently, and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, shredded Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, creating a luscious cheese filling.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Take a large casserole dish and spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Using a spoon, stuff each pasta shell generously with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the casserole dish on top of the meat sauce.
Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are fully covered.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the shells, creating a gooey and irresistible layer.
Bake the Italian Stuffed Shells in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and delightfully bubbly.
Once baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients to the cheese mixture or sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a delicious next-day meal.
In conclusion, Italian Stuffed Shells are more than just a dish; they are a celebration of flavors and togetherness. As you take that first bite, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of tender pasta, creamy cheese, and savory meat sauce—a symphony of taste that will leave you craving for seconds. This recipe holds a special place in our hearts, as it has become a beloved staple in our little family, creating cherished memories around the dinner table.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply seeking a comforting meal for your loved ones, these stuffed shells are a delightful choice that will please every palate. The joy of cooking and sharing this dish with friends and family is unparalleled, and it never fails to bring smiles and warmth to our home.
So, why not bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen and make this wonderful recipe your own? Embrace the simplicity of the ingredients, the ease of preparation, and the incredible flavors that will transport you to the charming streets of an Italian village. Gather your loved ones, pour some wine, and indulge in the joy of savoring these Italian Stuffed Shells. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
Remember, the heart of every memorable meal lies not just in the food but in the company you share it with. Buon appetito!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and offers a leaner alternative.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover stuffed shells. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and double up on the cheese filling or add your favorite veggies.
Can I prepare this in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled.
![](https://8fivefive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Italian-Stuffed-Shells-360x361.jpg)
Italian Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 450 g ground beef approximately 1 lb.
- 425 g can crushed tomatoes 15 oz.
- 425 g can tomato sauce 15 oz.
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 20 large pasta shells
- 425 g ricotta cheese 15 oz.
- 1 egg
- 113 g shredded Parmesan cheese 4 oz.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 226 g mozzarella cheese 2 cups
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the beef with onion powder and garlic powder, stirring until well combined.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet with the beef. Simmer the sauce while you cook the pasta shells.
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them gently, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, shredded Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, creating a luscious cheese filling.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Take a large casserole dish and spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Using a spoon, stuff each pasta shell generously with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the casserole dish on top of the meat sauce.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the shells, creating a gooey and irresistible layer.
- Bake the Italian Stuffed Shells in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and delightfully bubbly.
- Once baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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