Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce and Melted Cheese

Description

This classic baked pasta dish features large pasta shells stuffed with a savory ground meat filling, arranged over rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and herbs. The shells are tender, the filling is hearty and flavorful, and the melted cheese creates a comforting, golden finish. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals.

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Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Pasta

• 20–24 jumbo pasta shells

• Salt, for boiling water

Meat Filling

• 400 g ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Sauce

• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or basil

Topping

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Fresh herbs for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta shells

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook jumbo shells until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions).

3. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.

4. Set aside on a tray to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Prepare the meat filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

5. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes.

6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

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Step 3: Mix the filling

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked meat, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and fresh herbs.

2. Mix until well combined and creamy.

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Step 4: Assemble the dish

1. Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.

2. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish.

3. Fill each pasta shell with the meat mixture and arrange open-side up in the dish.

4. Spoon a little sauce over the shells.

5. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.

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Step 5: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

2. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.

3. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

• Serve warm with garlic bread or a green salad.

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Tips

• Do not overcook the shells or they will tear when stuffed.

• This dish freezes well before or after baking.

• Can be made vegetarian by replacing meat with spinach and mushrooms.