Stage 1: Prepare the Jumbo Shells
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Be sure to cook them al dente, as they will cook further in the oven.
- Drain and Set Aside: Drain the shells and rinse them gently under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them out on a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to dry.
Stage 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Stage 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Beef and Cheese Mixtures: Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, stir it into the cheese mixture. This creates a flavorful and cheesy filling for the stuffed shells.
Stage 4: Stuff the Shells
- Fill the Shells: Using a spoon, carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Place each stuffed shell in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them side by side.
Stage 5: Prepare the Sauce and Bake
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt and pepper. Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the stuffed shells for a melty, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown and get crispy.
Stage 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Once baked, remove the stuffed shells from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Additional Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: You can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, and adding a bit of cooked quinoa or lentils for texture.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day ahead. Simply cover the unbaked stuffed shells and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and marinara sauce all wrapped up in jumbo pasta shells. Whether you’re serving it to your family or bringing it to a gathering, this hearty dish is sure to please everyone. With its delicious layers of flavor and melty cheese, it’s a classic meal that will become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!