Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to package instructions. Be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become too soft when stuffed. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling:
   • In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.
   • Once the beef is fully cooked, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Then, stir in ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is combined. Finally, beat the egg and mix it into the beef and cheese mixture.
3. Stuff the Shells:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Take each cooked pasta shell and spoon the beef and cheese mixture into the center of each shell. Be generous with the filling, packing it in to ensure they’re full.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce in a single layer. Once all the shells are placed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure each shell is covered with sauce.
5. Bake the Shells:
   • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the stuffed shells.
   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, slightly crispy top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
   • Once the cheesy beef-stuffed shells are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comforting meal.

Health Benefits of Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight:

• Protein-Packed: The ground beef and ricotta cheese provide a solid amount of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Calcium-Rich: The mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are rich in calcium, which is important for bone health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The spices and marinara sauce provide a boost of antioxidants from tomatoes, while the fresh herbs add additional vitamins and minerals to the dish.

Why This Dish is a Family Favorite:

Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells Delight is a meal that brings everyone to the table with its rich flavors, gooey cheese, and savory beef filling. It’s the perfect combination of pasta and meat, ensuring a fulfilling meal that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Whether served as a weeknight dinner, special occasion meal, or for a cozy family gathering, this dish is sure to be loved by everyone.

With its cheesy, beefy goodness, this stuffed shells recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect dish to bring everyone together for a meal they’ll remember.