A Delicious Stuffed Shells Recipe

Introduction

When it comes to creating a memorable meal, few dishes can rival the delectable flavors found in stuffed shells. This article will provide you with a detailed recipe that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this stuffed shells recipe is a must-try! With a combination of carefully selected ingredients and a step-by-step guide, you'll be able to create a mouthwatering dish that will leave your taste buds satisfied. So, let's dive in and discover the secrets to making these delicious stuffed shells!

Ingredients

Stuffed shells with meat and tomato sauce

To make this delicious stuffed shells recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

1 box of jumbo pasta shells
1 pound of ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of ricotta cheese
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups of marinara sauce

Preparation

Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and beef mixture and place them in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy this delicious stuffed shells recipe as a main dish or as a side dish. It's sure to impress even the most discerning palates!

Preparing the Shells

Baked stuffed shells with creamy garlic sauce

To make this delicious stuffed shells recipe, you will first need to prepare the shells. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Boiling the Shells: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the shells. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the shells and cook them according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook them until they are al dente, which means they are cooked but still slightly firm.
Draining and Cooling: Once the shells are cooked, carefully drain them using a colander. Rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This will also prevent them from sticking together later on.
Preparing the Filling: While the shells are cooling, you can start preparing the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Stuffing the Shells: Take each cooled shell and carefully spoon the filling into it. Make sure to fill each shell generously, but not to the point where the filling is overflowing. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
Covering with Sauce: Once all the shells are stuffed and placed in the baking dish, pour your favorite marinara sauce over them. Make sure to cover each shell with sauce, as it will add flavor and moisture to the dish. You can use homemade marinara sauce or store-bought, whichever you prefer.
Baking the Stuffed Shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the stuffed shells for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through. If you like your cheese slightly browned, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Garnishing and Serving: Once the stuffed shells are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish them with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the stuffed shells hot, and enjoy!

Preparing the shells is an essential step in making this delicious stuffed shells recipe. By following these simple instructions, you'll have perfectly cooked shells ready to be filled with a flavorful cheese and spinach mixture. Stay tuned for the next section, where we will explore different variations and additions to this classic recipe.

Preparing the Filling

To make the delicious stuffed shells, you will first need to prepare the filling. The filling is what gives these shells their flavorful and satisfying taste. Here's how to do it:

Start by cooking the jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven later on. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Mix them together until well combined and smooth.
Next, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir everything together until the flavors are evenly distributed.
For an extra touch of flavor, you can also add some cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef to the filling mixture. This will add a delicious savory element to the dish.
Once all the ingredients are combined, it's time to stuff the shells. Take each cooked shell and carefully spoon some of the filling mixture into it, making sure to fill it completely. Place each filled shell into a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
Once all the shells are filled and in the baking dish, it's time to add the sauce. Pour your favorite marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure to cover them evenly. You can also sprinkle some additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Finally, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffed shells in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once cooked, remove the foil and let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to handle.

Now that you know how to prepare the filling for these delicious stuffed shells, you can move on to the next step in the recipe. Stay tuned for the next section, where we will cover how to cook the shells and serve them in a mouthwatering presentation.

Stuffing the Shells

Now that you have prepared the shells and the filling, it's time to start stuffing! This is where the magic happens and the flavors come together to create a mouthwatering dish.

Take one of the cooked shells and spoon a generous amount of the ricotta and spinach filling into it. Make sure to fill it all the way to the top, without overfilling it.
Gently place the filled shell into the baking dish, on top of the marinara sauce. Repeat this process with all the remaining shells, arranging them in a single layer in the dish.
Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged neatly in the baking dish, it's time to add the final touches. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells, making sure they are fully covered.
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously cheesy crust on the stuffed shells.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring that it is tightly sealed. This will help the shells cook evenly and retain their moisture.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted.
Once the stuffed shells are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the shells to set.
Serve the stuffed shells hot, garnished with some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad.

Now that you know the secret to making delicious stuffed shells, it's time to put your newfound skills to the test. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just craving some comfort food, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delightful meal that will leave you wanting more.

Making the Sauce

To make the delicious sauce for your stuffed shells, follow these simple steps:

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add 1 finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Pour in 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some added heat. Stir to incorporate the herbs and spices into the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky for a more rustic feel.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.

And there you have it - a rich and flavorful sauce to complement your stuffed shells! It's important to note that you can customize the sauce to your liking by adding additional herbs or spices, such as fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Experiment and make it your own!

Now that you have the sauce ready, let's move on to the next step - preparing the filling for the stuffed shells.

Assembling the Dish

Now that you have prepared the delicious filling and cooked the pasta shells, it's time to bring everything together and assemble the stuffed shells. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Take a baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This will prevent the shells from sticking and add an extra layer of flavor.
Take one pasta shell at a time and carefully spoon the filling into it. Use a teaspoon or your fingers to ensure that each shell is generously filled. Place the filled shell in the baking dish, on top of the layer of marinara sauce. Repeat this process until all the shells are filled and arranged in the dish.
Once all the shells are assembled in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Make sure to cover each shell with a generous amount of sauce. This will keep the shells moist and flavorful as they bake.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells. The cheese will melt and create a golden, gooey layer that adds a delicious finishing touch.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the stuffed shells are cooked through and the cheese is perfectly melted, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the stuffed shells hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. The combination of flavors and textures will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Assembling the dish is the final step in creating this delicious stuffed shells recipe. The layers of marinara sauce, creamy filling, and melted cheese come together to create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking to elevate your weeknight meal, these stuffed shells are a must-try. Enjoy the flavors and savor every bite!

Baking the Stuffed Shells

Once you have filled all the shells and arranged them in the baking dish, it's time to bake them to perfection.

Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even cooking and helps to melt the cheese and blend the flavors.

Adding the Sauce Before placing the shells in the oven, pour the remaining marinara sauce over them. Make sure to cover the shells completely with the sauce. This will help keep them moist and flavorful as they bake.

Covering with Foil To prevent the shells from drying out during baking, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will trap the heat and steam, creating a moist cooking environment.

Baking Time Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the shells and adjust the baking time as needed. The shells should be heated through and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Removing the Foil After about 20 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown slightly on top. This will add a delicious crispy texture to the shells.

Checking for Doneness To check if the shells are done, insert a toothpick or fork into the center of a shell. If it goes in easily and the filling is hot, the shells are ready to be taken out of the oven.

Letting them Rest Once the shells are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes them easier to handle.

Garnishing and Serving Before serving, garnish the stuffed shells with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve them hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Baking the stuffed shells is the final step in creating this mouthwatering dish. The heat of the oven transforms the ingredients into a cheesy, flavorful delight that is sure to impress your taste buds. So, preheat that oven, cover the shells with sauce, and get ready to indulge in a plateful of goodness!

Garnishing and Serving

Once the stuffed shells are out of the oven and ready to be served, it's time to add the finishing touches. Garnishing is an essential step that not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Here are some garnishing ideas to take your stuffed shells to the next level:

Fresh Herbs

Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs on top of the stuffed shells can elevate their taste and appearance. Consider using basil, parsley, or even a combination of different herbs for a burst of freshness. The vibrant green color of the herbs will contrast beautifully with the golden-brown shells.

Grated Cheese

Who can resist a sprinkle of cheese on their pasta dish? Adding some grated cheese on top of the stuffed shells before serving will create a deliciously cheesy crust. Opt for a variety of cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a blend of different types for a rich and gooey texture.

Tomato Sauce

Drizzling a spoonful or two of tomato sauce over the stuffed shells not only adds a pop of color but also brings additional layers of flavor to the dish. You can use a homemade sauce or a store-bought one, depending on your preference. Be sure to warm the sauce before pouring it over the shells for a delightful contrast of temperatures.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

A simple sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can add a touch of heat and complexity to the stuffed shells. The pungent aroma of the pepper will awaken your taste buds and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Use a pepper mill to grind the pepper directly over the shells for an extra burst of flavor.

Additional Side Dishes

To round out the meal, consider serving the stuffed shells with some complementary side dishes. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory shells. Alternatively, you can serve the shells alongside some garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

When it comes to serving the stuffed shells, presentation is key. Arrange the shells on a stylish platter or individual plates, making sure to showcase the vibrant colors and enticing flavors. Garnish with the fresh herbs, grated cheese, and other toppings, and watch as your guests' eyes light up with anticipation.

Remember, the beauty of stuffed shells lies not only in their delicious taste but also in the care and attention given to the garnishing and serving process. With these garnishing ideas, you can transform a simple pasta dish into a stunning culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone impressed and satisfied.

So go ahead and try out this delicious stuffed shells recipe. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the flavors, savor the experience, and relish in the culinary delight that is stuffed shells. Bon appétit!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to consider when making this delicious stuffed shells recipe:

Experiment with fillings: While this recipe suggests a classic ricotta and spinach filling, feel free to get creative and try different combinations. You can use a mixture of different cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or feta, or incorporate other ingredients like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or cooked ground meat.
Add extra herbs and spices: To enhance the flavor of the filling, consider adding herbs and spices. Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley can give the dish a burst of freshness. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or add some garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth of flavor.
Experiment with sauces: While marinara sauce is typically used to top stuffed shells, you can try different sauces to switch things up. Alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, or even a creamy mushroom sauce can add a unique twist to the dish. Don't be afraid to get creative and find your favorite combination.
Make it vegetarian or vegan: If you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, you can easily modify the recipe. Substitute the ricotta cheese with tofu or cashew cream for a vegan version. For a vegetarian option, you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the filling.
Make it ahead of time: Stuffed shells can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until you're ready to bake them. This makes them a great option for meal prep or for entertaining guests. Simply assemble the shells, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and follow the baking instructions in the recipe.
Serve with a side salad: Stuffed shells are a filling dish on their own, but you can make it a complete meal by serving them with a side salad. A simple green salad with your favorite dressing or a Mediterranean salad with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese can complement the flavors of the stuffed shells.
Freeze for later: If you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch, stuffed shells can be frozen for future meals. Simply place the stuffed shells in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.

With these tips and variations, you can customize this delicious stuffed shells recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings, sauces, and serving options to create a dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Conclusion

The step-by-step guide provided ensures that you can easily recreate this dish at home. From preparing the shells to stuffing them with a flavorful filling, every aspect of the recipe is covered in detail. The combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, and marinara sauce creates a mouthwatering filling that is complemented by the melted cheese on top.

One of the highlights of this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the filling to suit your preferences by adding ingredients like sausage, mushrooms, or different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a dish that suits your taste.

Not only is this stuffed shells recipe delicious, but it is also a visually appealing dish that will impress your guests. The stuffed shells, covered in melted cheese and bathed in marinara sauce, make for an impressive presentation. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply cooking for your family, this dish is sure to be a hit.

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