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Stuffed Shells with Savory Beef Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 95 reviews

Classic Italian-inspired Stuffed Shells with a savory ground beef and teriyaki-enhanced pasta sauce, filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh basil for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Shells

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells

Beef Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup onion, chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups pasta sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Kikkoman® Roasted Garlic Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce

Cheese Filling

  • 1½ cups ricotta cheese
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (additional)
  • Fresh chopped basil for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly to prepare for stuffing.
  2. Sauté Onions and Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until mostly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat to reduce grease.
  3. Prepare Beef Sauce: Season the browned beef with Italian seasoning. Stir in pasta sauce and Kikkoman Roasted Garlic Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce, then simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  4. Make Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined and creamy.
  5. Stuff the Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture, making sure they are well stuffed but not overfilled to avoid bursting during baking.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Spread 1 cup of the beef sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon the remaining beef sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt inside the shells.
  8. Broil for Finish: Remove the foil and broil for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown for a delicious crust.
  9. Let Rest and Serve: Allow the stuffed shells to rest for 5 minutes out of the oven to set. Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped basil for a bright, herbal finish.

Notes

  • Be sure to not overcook pasta shells to prevent them from breaking when stuffing.
  • Draining excess fat from the cooked beef helps keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to the beef sauce while simmering.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
  • Fresh basil brightens the dish but can be omitted or replaced with fresh parsley.
  • Use a non-stick or well-oiled baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.

Keywords: stuffed shells, baked pasta, ground beef pasta, ricotta cheese pasta, Italian casserole, cheesy stuffed shells

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/stuffed-shells-with-savory-beef-sauce-recipe/