Beef Stuffed Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Beef Stuffed Shells: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will redefine your weeknight dinners! Imagine tender, oversized pasta shells, each cradling a savory, perfectly seasoned beef filling, blanketed in a rich, tangy tomato sauce and bubbling with melted cheese. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate, a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone clamoring for seconds.

While the exact origins of stuffed shells are debated, they are undoubtedly a beloved Italian-American classic, born from the ingenuity of home cooks seeking to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This dish embodies the spirit of Italian-American cuisine: generous portions, bold flavors, and a focus on family and togetherness. It’s a dish meant to be shared, a centerpiece for gatherings and celebrations.

What makes beef stuffed shells so irresistible? It’s the delightful combination of textures – the smooth pasta, the hearty beef, the creamy cheese. It’s the satisfying richness of the sauce, perfectly balanced with the savory filling. And let’s not forget the convenience! While it may seem a bit involved, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, especially if you make the sauce and filling ahead of time. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 (12 ounce) box jumbo pasta shells
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Preparing the Meat Sauce

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of this dish – the flavorful meat sauce! This is where we build the foundation of deliciousness, so pay close attention to the details.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy stuffed shells!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually let mine simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or oregano to suit your taste. If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch more sugar.

Cooking the Pasta Shells

While the sauce is simmering away, let’s get those jumbo shells cooked to perfection. We want them al dente, meaning they’re still a little firm to the bite, so they don’t become mushy when baked.

1. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. The salt helps to season the pasta as it cooks.
2. Cook the Shells: Add the jumbo shells to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, but subtract about 2 minutes from the recommended cooking time. This will ensure they’re al dente.
3. Drain and Rinse: Once the shells are cooked, drain them immediately and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Lay Flat: Gently lay the cooked shells flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the ricotta filling.

Preparing the Ricotta Filling

Now, let’s whip up the creamy, cheesy ricotta filling that will make these stuffed shells truly irresistible. This is a simple step, but it’s crucial for adding that delicious, comforting texture.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix Well: Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more Parmesan cheese or parsley to suit your taste.

Stuffing the Shells

This is where the fun begins! Get ready to get your hands a little messy as we stuff those shells with the delicious ricotta filling.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Assemble: Take one cooked shell at a time and carefully spoon or pipe the ricotta filling into each shell, filling it generously. You can use a spoon, a piping bag, or even a zip-top bag with a corner cut off to make this process easier.
3. Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the shells from sticking and add extra flavor. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, side by side, in a single layer.
4. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are all well coated.
5. Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the sauce.

Baking the Stuffed Shells

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these beauties until they’re bubbly, cheesy, and golden brown.

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This will help to keep the shells moist and prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
3. Rest: Let the stuffed shells rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make them easier to serve.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top (optional) and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This beef stuffed shells recipe is truly a must-try for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of savory beef, creamy ricotta, and tangy tomato sauce is a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. But beyond the taste, it’s also surprisingly easy to make. While it might look impressive, the steps are straightforward, and even a beginner cook can achieve restaurant-quality results. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd. This recipe makes a generous portion, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week.

But the best part? It’s endlessly customizable! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Try adding some mozzarella or provolone for an extra cheesy pull. You could also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. If you’re looking to add some vegetables, consider incorporating some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the beef mixture. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the richness of the stuffed shells. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition, perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a more complete meal, consider serving it with some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

And don’t forget about variations! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made marinara sauce. You can also assemble the shells ahead of time and bake them just before serving. For a vegetarian option, you can replace the beef with a mixture of vegetables and lentils.

I truly believe that this beef stuffed shells recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s easy to make, and it’s incredibly versatile. It’s the kind of dish that everyone will ask for again and again.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do try it, please, please, please come back and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear about your experience, any variations you tried, and how much your family and friends enjoyed it. Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love.

I can’t wait to hear from you and see your delicious creations! Happy cooking! I am sure that this recipe for beef stuffed shells will be a success in your kitchen.