Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells 

Cheesy Beef Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian-American dish that combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, creamy cheeses, and marinara sauce. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite for any occasion.

 Full Recipe:

 Ingredients

• 8 ounces jumbo pasta shells

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

 Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside on a clean kitchen towel to dry.

2. Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

3. Make the Cheese Filling: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Stir in the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

4. Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish.

5. Bake: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve: Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

 Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 550 kcal

• Protein: 32 grams

• Sodium: 800 milligrams