Introduction
This delicious stuffed pasta shell recipe combines rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy dinners. The hearty meat sauce paired with a creamy cheese filling encased in pasta shells creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Below are the detailed ingredients and instructions to help you recreate this culinary delight in your own kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Meat Sauce:
1 pound ground chuck
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
For the Cheese Filling:
1 large egg
1 container (16 ounces) small curd cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 box (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
Prep Time
Approximately 20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
With these instructions, you’ll be able to prepare a delightful stuffed pasta shell dish that is sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chuck until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce, reduce the heat, and let it simmer while you prepare the other components.
Cook the Pasta Shells:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add the cottage cheese, 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Assemble the Stuffed Shells:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
Meat Sauce Tips:
You can use other ground meats like turkey or chicken if preferred.
Pasta Cooking:
Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente to hold the filling well.
Cheese Filling Variations:
Feel free to add herbs or spices to the cheese mixture for extra flavor, such as Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.
Resting Time:
Letting the dish rest before serving allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.
Cook techniques
Ground Beef Cooking
Cook the ground chuck in a skillet over medium heat until browned. This step adds flavor and ensures the meat is fully cooked. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks for even browning.
Onion and Garlic Sautéing
Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in the same skillet after cooking the ground chuck. This technique enhances the flavors, allowing the onion to become translucent and the garlic to release its aroma.
Simmering Sauce
After adding marinara sauce to the meat mixture, reduce the heat and let it simmer. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more robust sauce.
Pasta Cooking
Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente, which provides the right texture for stuffing. Following the package instructions ensures the shells achieve the perfect level of firmness.
Cheese Filling Preparation
In a mixing bowl, combine beaten egg, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until well mixed. This technique ensures a creamy, cohesive filling for the shells.
Layering in Baking Dish
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish before adding stuffed shells. This prevents sticking and adds moisture to the bottom layer.
Baking with Foil
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil before baking for the first 25 minutes. This helps retain moisture, allowing the cheese to melt evenly without browning too quickly.
Browning Cheese
Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top layer of cheese to become golden and bubbly. This technique adds a delicious texture and enhances presentation.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground chuck based on your preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate before baking. Just add some extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What type of marinara sauce should I use?
You can use any marinara sauce you prefer—store-bought or homemade. Choose one that suits your taste for the best flavor.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Just cover them tightly and bake from frozen, adding additional time.
What if I don’t have cottage cheese?
You can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese, but the texture will be slightly different.
Conclusion
The stuffed jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with a rich meat sauce create a comforting and satisfying dish. This recipe balances hearty flavors with a cheesy, creamy interior, making it a delightful meal for family and friends. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner, these stuffed shells are sure to become a favorite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stuffed Shells
Swap the meat sauce and ground chuck for a mixture of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers combined with ricotta cheese for a delicious vegetarian option.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
Use shredded cooked chicken mixed with cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce for a spicy twist on the classic stuffed shells.
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Fill the shells with a mixture of shrimp and crab meat combined with ricotta and mozzarella for a decadent seafood version.
Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells
Mix pesto with cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor-packed filling, topped with a light marinara sauce.
Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells
Combine creamy spinach and artichoke dip with cheeses for a unique stuffed shell experience, baked until bubbly and golden.
