We want a delicious and satisfying meal to transport you to Italy. Look no further than Italian Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce and Ricotta. We’ll dive into the delightful world of classic Italian cuisine, exploring a timeless recipe that combines tender pasta shells, flavorful meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese. Prepare to entice your taste buds and dazzle your loved ones with this delicious dish. Let’s get cooking!
Recipe
Ingredients
- One box (12 ounces) of jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- one onion, finely chopped
- three cloves garlic, minced
- One can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes.
- One can (15 ounces) tomato sauce.
- one tablespoon of tomato paste
- One teaspoon of dried basil
- One teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- One container (15 ounces) of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- one egg
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your broiler to 350°F (175°C) and daintily oil a 9×13 inch baking dish with a cooking shower.
Cook the Pasta Shells
- Heat a massive pot of salted water to the point of boiling.
- Cook the enormous pasta shells as indicated by the bundle guidelines until they are still somewhat firm.
- Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Over medium intensity, cook the ground hamburger or Italian frankfurter in a skillet until caramelized and not pink.
- Add the cleaved onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is delicate and precise, around 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, paste, dried basil, oregano, Salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
- Set up the Filling: In a blending bowl, consolidate the ricotta cheddar, destroyed mozzarella cheddar, ground Parmesan cheddar, and egg. Blend until all around consolidated.
- Assemble the Stuffed Shells: Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the lower part of the pre-arranged baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with a liberal spoonful of the cheddar blend and orchestrate them in the baking dish, settled intently together.
- Top with Sauce and Cheddar: Pour the leftover meat sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them equitably. Sprinkle extra destroyed mozzarella cheddar and ground Parmesan cheddar on top.
- Prepare: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and intensity in the grill for 25-30 minutes or until the cheddar is disintegrated and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the foil and garnish the stuffed shells with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavours of Italy!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices, such as fresh basil or red pepper flakes.
- You can alternate ground turkey or chicken for ground meat whenever you like.
- Extra stuffed shells can be put away in an impenetrable holder in the fridge for as long as three days. Warm in the microwave or stove before serving.
This detailed recipe provides step-by-step instructions to help you recreate the classic Italian dish of stuffed shells with meat sauce and ricotta in your kitchen. Whether preparing for a weeknight supper or an exceptional event, this tasty and consoling feast will enchant your taste buds and fulfil your desires for authentic Italian food.
Storage and Serving
Making in Advance, Reheating, and Storage
Making in Advance
- If you plan to make Italian stuffed shells with meat sauce and ricotta ahead of time, you can easily prepare the dish up to a day in Advance. After collecting the stuffed shells in the baking dish, cover it firmly with cling wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until prepared to heat. It makes it convenient for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
Reheating
- To reheat the stuffed shells, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off. Then, at that point, cover the dish with aluminum foil and prepare for 25-30 minutes or until warmed through. You can likewise microwave individual bits for a fast and helpful dinner.
Storage
- Extra stuffed shells can be put away in a hermetically sealed holder in the cooler for three days. Allow the dish to cool before moving it to the ice chest. While putting away extras, it’s ideal to partition them into individual servings for simple warming later on.
Serve them with these great dishes!:
- Garlic Bread: Serve your Italian stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread for a work of art and a soothing dinner: the fresh, rich bread coordinates impeccably with the rich and exquisite kinds of stuffed shells.
- Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the stuffed shells with a fresh and crisp side salad. Toss together your favourite greens, such as mixed greens, spinach, or arugula, with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add nutritious vegetables to your meal by serving steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus alongside the stuffed shells. The vibrant colours and flavours of the vegetables complement the hearty pasta dish beautifully.
- Italian Antipasto Platter: Impress your guests with an Italian antipasto platter featuring an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, roasted peppers, and crusty bread. This flavorful and colourful appetizer perfectly accompanies your stuffed shells dinner.
- Wine Pairing: For a complete dining experience, pair your Italian stuffed shells with a glass of your favourite Italian wine. A medium-bodied red wine, for example, Chianti or Sangiovese, supplements the wealthy kinds of meat sauce and cheddar filling.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta for This Recipe?
- While jumbo pasta shells are stuffed shells, you can experiment with different pasta shapes if desired. Large manicotti or cannelloni tubes can also work well for stuffing with the ricotta cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
- You can make vegan Italian stuffed shells by precluding the ground hamburger or Italian hotdog from the meat sauce. Get serious about the cheddar filling, or add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or ringer peppers for flavour and surface.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Shells for Later?
- You can freeze Italian stuffed shells before or after baking for future pleasure. While freezing before baking, gather the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover them solidly with grip wrap and aluminium foil, and freeze for up to 90 days. When prepared to heat, defrost in the fridge short-term, and prepare as per the recipe guidelines. In the case of freezing after baking, let the stuffed shells cool, then wrap individual parts or the whole dish firmly with cling wrap and aluminium foil before freezing. To warm frozen stuffed shells, defrost them in the cooler for the time being and prepare them in a preheated stove until warmed.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time for a Dinner Party?
- Absolutely! Italian stuffed shells are an excellent option for preparing ahead of time for a dinner party or gathering. You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance, cover the baking dish tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. It allows you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen on the day of the event.
What Can I Serve with Italian Stuffed Shells for a Complete Meal?
- Italian stuffed shells pair well with different side dishes to make a total and fulfilling feast. Some popular options include garlic bread, a side salad with vinaigrette dressing, steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans, and an Italian antipasto platter featuring cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted peppers. Remember to serve your favourite Italian wine for the perfect finishing touch!
Can I Customize the Cheese Filling with Different Ingredients?
- Totally! Redo the cheddar loading with your number one fixings to suit your inclinations. You can add new spices, for example, basil or parsley, extra cheeses like fontina or provolone, or even a smidgen of zest with squashed red pepper pieces. Get inventive and make the recipe your own!
How Long Will Leftover Stuffed Shells Keep in the Refrigerator?
- Extra stuffed shells can be put away in an impenetrable compartment in the fridge for three days. Allow the dish to cool before moving it to the refrigerator to forestall buildup and dampness development—warm individual parts in the microwave or stove before serving for a speedy and straightforward dinner.
These frequently asked questions provide helpful tips and information to address readers’ concerns or queries about making, serving, and storing Italian stuffed shells with meat sauce and ricotta. You can easily prepare and enjoy this delicious dish by following these answers.
Exploring Italian Cuisine: Other Classic Italian Dishes
Italy is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, boasting diverse flavours, ingredients, and regional specialities. In addition to Italian stuffed shells with meat sauce and ricotta, countless other classic Italian dishes are beloved worldwide. Here are a few iconic Italian recipes to explore and enjoy:
- Lasagna: A quintessential Italian comfort food, lasagna features layers of wide pasta sheets, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese. This hearty and indulgent dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
- Spaghetti Carbonara: From Rome, spaghetti carbonara is a straightforward yet delightful pasta dish made with spaghetti noodles, fresh pancetta or bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheddar, and dark pepper. The rich sauce covers the pasta delightfully, making an encouraging and delicious dish.
- Risotto: A staple of Northern Italian cooking, risotto is a velvety and consoling rice dish seasoned with different fixings like mushrooms, fish, or saffron. The way to make excellent risotto is gradually adding hot stock to the rice and blending until it arrives at a rich consistency.
- Bruschetta: A popular antipasto or appetizer, bruschetta consists of grilled bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. This simple yet flavorful dish showcases the vibrant flavours of ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs.
- Tiramisu: No Italian meal is complete without a decadent dessert, and tiramisu is a classic choice. This indulgent dessert features layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder, resulting in a rich and satisfying treat that is guaranteed to impress.
- Caprese Salad: Made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze, Caprese salad is a light and refreshing dish that celebrates the flavours of summer. It’s the perfect starter or side dish for any Italian meal.
- Pizza Margherita: A symbol of Italian cuisine, the pizza margherita is a classic Neapolitan pizza topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. Its simple yet delicious combination of flavours has made it a favourite worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Italian stuffed shells with meat sauce and ricotta offer a delightful journey into the heart of Italian cuisine. With delicate pasta shells loaded with a rich ricotta cheddar blend and exquisite meat sauce, this exemplary dish is an encouraging and fulfilling dinner that will doubtlessly satisfy the entire family.
We’ve explored the step-by-step process of preparing Italian stuffed shells, from cooking the pasta to assembling the dish and baking it to perfection. We’ve also provided:
- Helpful tips for making the dish in advance.
- Reheating leftovers.
- Serving it alongside complementary dishes for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Additionally, we’ve answered common questions about making and storing Italian stuffed shells and highlighted other classic Italian dishes to expand your culinary repertoire further.
Whether cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a memorable gathering, Italian stuffed shells with meat sauce and ricotta will surely be a hit. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the delicious flavours of Italy in the comfort of your own home.
From the rich and savoury meat sauce to the creamy ricotta cheese filling, every bite of Italian stuffed shells is a taste of tradition and culinary excellence. So why wait? Head to the kitchen and cook a batch of this timeless Italian favourite today.
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