Elevate your dinner game with these mouthwatering stuffed pasta shells that combine rich ground beef, sweet corn, and a vibrant tomato sauce. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Shells
- 20 large pasta shells
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling
- 300 g ground beef
- 1 tbsp Knorr Minced Meat Seasoning
- 3 tbsp corn
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 small can tomato paste
For the Sauce
- 1 can peeled tomatoes
- Fresh basil, chopped
- 50 g cream
- 100 g Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta Shells Boil pasta shells for 2-3 minutes, keeping them slightly firm. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside to cool.
- Create the Filling Heat remaining olive oil in a pan. Sauté grated carrot and diced onion until lightly browned.
- Cook the Meat Add ground beef to the pan. Cook until completely dry and browned. Stir in tomato paste and corn.
- Season the Filling Sprinkle Knorr Minced Meat Seasoning over the mixture. Mix thoroughly and remove from heat.
- Prepare the Sauce In a separate bowl, mix canned tomatoes with chopped basil and crushed garlic.
- Assemble the Dish Pour tomato sauce into the bottom of an ovenproof dish. Fill each pasta shell with the meat mixture.
- Bake Arrange stuffed shells in the dish. Top each shell with a little cream and grated Parmesan.
- Final Touch Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 4-5 stuffed shells
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
- Fat: 20-25 g
- Fiber: 3-4 g
Cooking Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook pasta shells – they should be slightly firm
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option
- Make sure to drain meat completely to prevent soggy shells
- Choose fresh herbs for maximum flavor
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat
- Use different herbs like oregano or thyme
- Add bell peppers to the filling for extra vegetables
- Substitute Parmesan with mozzarella or pecorino
- Make it gluten-free with gluten-free pasta shells
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q2: How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Q3: Can I freeze stuffed shells? Freeze before baking for up to 3 months.
Q4: What sides pair well with this dish? A simple green salad or garlic bread complements the shells perfectly.
Q5: How can I make this dish vegetarian? Use plant-based meat substitute or mushrooms as filling.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Freeze unbaked shells for 3 months
- Reheat in oven at 160°C for best results
- Keep sauce separate when storing to maintain shell texture
Enjoy these delectable Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells – a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and flavor to your table!
