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Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4 from 14 reviews

These Baked Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian-American classic featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and parsley, then smothered in a savory homemade meat sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for a hearty family meal or special occasions.

Ingredients

Pasta Shells and Sauce

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells (about 6 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ pound ground beef
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce or homemade meat sauce

Cheese Filling

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly for handling.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for about 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks.
  5. Simmer Meat Sauce: Pour in the pasta sauce with the cooked beef and stir. Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently while you prepare the cheese filling.
  6. Prepare Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat 1 egg. Add the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and dried parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  7. Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread one-third of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and arrange the stuffed shells snugly in the baking dish.
  8. Add Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the arranged stuffed shells. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
  9. Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
  10. Top with Mozzarella and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the shells. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  11. Serve: Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, hearty baked stuffed shells!

Notes

  • For a lower-calorie option with extra protein, substitute low-fat cottage cheese for the ricotta in a 1:1 ratio. You can leave the cottage cheese as is or blend it for a smoother texture before mixing.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor impact.
  • Allow the stuffed shells to rest 5 minutes after baking to help them set and cool slightly for easier serving.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/baked-stuffed-shells-recipe/