Italian stuffed shells with meat and cheese, also known as "conchiglie ripiene" in Italian, is a classic dish that is loved by many. Originating from the southern regions of Italy, this hearty and flavorful dish has become a staple in Italian-American cuisine. With its combination of pasta, meat, and cheese, it is a crowd-pleasing meal that is perfect for family dinners and gatherings. In this article, we will dive into the recipe for this delicious dish and provide you with some tips and tricks to make the perfect Italian stuffed shells with meat and cheese.
Ingredients
For the shells:
• 1 package of jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them al dente as they will continue to cook in the oven.
3. In a pan, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onions are translucent.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and salt and pepper. Add in the cooked meat mixture and mix until well combined.
5. In another pan, prepare the sauce by cooking the diced onion and minced garlic until the onions are translucent. Add in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Take a baking dish and spread a layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish.
7. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the meat and cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish.
8. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed shells.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips and Tricks
• Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Don't skip the step of cooking the onions and garlic for the meat filling and sauce. This adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
• You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both for the meat filling.
• Feel free to add in some chopped spinach or other vegetables to the meat filling for added nutrients.
• For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add an additional 10-15 minutes of baking time.
Italian stuffed shells with meat and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, it is a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. So why not give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your
culinary skills!
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