Stuffed Meatball Shells are a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with juicy homemade meatballs made from seasoned ground beef, then arranged in a baking dish with rich marinara sauce.
A generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese is added before baking, creating a golden, bubbly topping that's hard to resist. The combination of tender pasta, savory meatballs, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese makes every bite satisfying and delicious.
This recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time and can be customized with herbs, spices, or your favorite cheeses. Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It's a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and shape into small meatballs that fit inside the shells.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until nearly cooked through.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place one meatball inside each pasta shell and arrange them in the dish.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
0 Comments: