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Cheesy Garlic Beef Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Delight

The moment you dig into a plate of cheesy, garlicky stuffed pasta shells, you feel a wave of warmth and comfort wash over you. For years, I’ve been perfecting my Cheesy Garlic Beef Stuffed Shells recipe, and it has never let me down. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells filled with savory ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a rich garlic-infused sauce. It’s like a delicious hug on a plate after a long day! This dish is perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings, guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Why It’s Great

Cheesy Garlic Beef Stuffed Shells shine with a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Each shell is generously filled with a mouthwatering mixture of savory beef, aromatic garlic, and creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Then, they’re lovingly enveloped in marinara sauce and baked until bubbling and golden. This comforting dish is filling, satisfying, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s easily adaptable for meal prep or busy weeknights, making it a go-to recipe in any household.

Ingredients:

20 jumbo pasta shells
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1 egg, lightly beaten

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, allowing them to cook for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and give it a chance to cool slightly.
Make the cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and the lightly beaten egg. Gently fold in the cooled beef mixture until everything is well blended.
Stuff the shells: Take spoonfuls of the beef and cheese filling and generously fill each cooked pasta shell. Arrange the filled shells seam-side up in the prepared baking dish.
Assemble and bake: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color before serving warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving: These delightful stuffed shells are best served alongside a side of garlic bread or a fresh crisp salad, making for a complete and satisfying meal. They are perfect for cozy family dinners or even special occasions like date nights.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the shells before baking for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Helpful Notes

Cheese options: Feel free to mix it up with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for an extra rich flavor.
Make ahead: This dish can easily be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble the shells in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. You can pop it in the oven the next day and enjoy!
Customize the filling: For a nutritious twist, you can add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the beef filling. You could also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works wonderfully in this recipe. Choose your favorite brand for a flavor you love!

3. Can I freeze the stuffed shells before baking?

Definitely! You can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.