Loaded Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells
Indulge in a comforting dish of Loaded Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, melty mozzarella, and a hint of fresh parsley. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, these jumbo pasta shells are generously smothered in a rich spaghetti sauce and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, creating a deliciously hearty meal that everyone will love. Serve alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for the ultimate dining experience!
6
Servings
350
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
jumbo pasta shells
18 (cooked according to package directions)
ground beef
1 lb (browned in skillet)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (for stuffing and topping)
Italian style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (for binding the filling)
chopped parsley
1/4 cup (fresh)
egg
1 (beaten)
pepper
1 dash (to taste)
salt
to taste
spaghetti sauce
1 (15 1/2 ounce) jar (for covering shells)
Burgundy wine or dry red wine
1/4 cup (for sauce)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside to cool slightly.
3
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
4
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, beaten egg, salt, and a dash of pepper. Mix until well combined.
5
In a separate bowl, mix together the spaghetti sauce and Burgundy (or dry red) wine.
6
Spread 1/4 of the sauce evenly across the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
7
Stuff each pasta shell with the beef mixture and arrange them in the baking dish, open side up.
8
Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
9
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
30g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Loaded Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells?
They are jumbo pasta shells filled with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, mozzarella, and parsley, baked in a wine-infused spaghetti sauce.
What size pasta shells are required for this recipe?
You will need 18 jumbo pasta shells cooked according to the package directions.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What are the main ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of ground beef, onion, garlic, mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, and an egg.
How do I prepare the ground beef?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with onion and garlic, then drain any excess fat.
What type of cheese is used in the stuffing?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for the stuffing mixture.
Why are breadcrumbs used in the beef mixture?
Italian style breadcrumbs are used to help bind the beef filling together.
What is the purpose of the egg in this recipe?
One beaten egg is added to the beef mixture to act as a binder for the stuffing.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Mix one 15.5 ounce jar of spaghetti sauce with 1/4 cup of Burgundy or dry red wine.
What can I substitute for Burgundy wine?
You can use any dry red wine or omit it entirely if you prefer not to use alcohol.
What is the first step in assembling the baking dish?
Spread 1/4 of the prepared sauce mixture across the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
How should I arrange the shells in the dish?
Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish with the open side facing up.
What goes on top of the shells before baking?
Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long do the shells need to bake?
Bake covered for 20 minutes, then bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
Do I need to cover the baking dish?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
How do I know when the dish is finished?
The shells are done when the cheese is bubbly and has turned a golden color.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is an easy-to-follow recipe that is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
What should I serve as a side?
These stuffed shells pair excellently with a fresh garden salad or warm garlic bread.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 17 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 18 grams of protein.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley.
What size jar of spaghetti sauce is needed?
A 15.5 ounce jar of spaghetti sauce is required.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the shells and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake.
How many jumbo shells are used?
The recipe specifies using 18 jumbo pasta shells.
What type of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe calls for Italian style breadcrumbs specifically.
Is the garlic minced or sliced?
The recipe specifies using 2 minced garlic cloves for the beef mixture.
Should the shells cool before serving?
Yes, letting them cool for a few minutes helps the filling and sauce set before serving.