Ingredients and Weight:
- Jumbo pasta shells: 24 shells
- Ground beef: 1 pound
- Italian sausage: 1 pound
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Green bell pepper: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Ricotta cheese: 1 pound
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, grated
- Eggs: 2
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Marinara sauce: 2 cups
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 pound, shredded
Preparation Time:
Cooking Time:
Difficulty Level:
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and rinse.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the meat mixture and cook until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the meat mixture.
- Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
- Spread marinara sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Place stuffed shells in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 500 per serving
- Fat: 25 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and flavorful with a blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and cheeses.
- Hearty and filling, suitable as a main course or for special occasions.
- Versatile dish that can be customized with different fillings and sauces.
User Comments:
- "These stuffed shells are absolutely delicious! The filling is perfectly seasoned and the cheese melts beautifully."
- "I love the combination of hearty meats and creamy cheeses in this dish."
- "The shells were cooked al dente and the overall texture was perfect."
- "A dish that impresses every time I serve it to guests."
- "Easy to follow recipe that results in a restaurant-quality meal at home."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use jumbo pasta shells that are large enough to hold a generous amount of filling.
- Don't overcook the pasta shells, as they will continue to soften in the oven.
- If you don't have marinara sauce on hand, you can use a combination of tomato sauce and Italian seasonings.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef and Italian sausage with chopped mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots.