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If you're craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish but don't want the hassle of stuffing shells, this Unstuffed Shells Casserole is your answer. It's got all the flavors of traditional stuffed shells but with half the effort. Imagine jumbo pasta shells smothered in a rich marinara sauce, layered with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let's dive in!
The name of the recipe: Unstuffed Shells Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 clove minced garlic
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, and garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need
Read more: Unstuffed Mushroom Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make unstuffed shells casserole
- Jumbo pasta shells: These hold the filling perfectly, giving each bite a mix of pasta and cheesy goodness.
- Ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory flavor and protein to the dish, making it more filling.
- Marinara sauce: Provides a rich, tangy tomato base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Ricotta cheese: Offers a creamy texture and mild flavor, balancing the robust meat sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that’s irresistible.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
- Dried basil: Infuses the dish with a subtle, sweet herbal note.
- Dried oregano: Brings a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that enhances the marinara sauce.
- Minced garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the meat sauce.
Tools and Instruments Needed
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Unstuffed Shells Casserole Recipe
- Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and simmering marinara sauce with herbs and garlic.
- Mixing bowl: Needed to combine ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses with seasonings.
- Baking dish: Holds filled pasta shells and meat sauce, ensuring even baking and melting of cheese.
- Large pot: Used to cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring meat sauce and cheese mixture without scratching cookware.
- Colander: Drains cooked pasta shells efficiently, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Unstuffed Shells Casserole Recipe
A simple and delicious unstuffed shells casserole that's perfect for a family dinner.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic minced
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, and garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
This unstuffed shells casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble it the night before and bake it the next day.
Read more: Unstuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the recipe as directed up to the baking step.
- Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake.
- Wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Using ricotta cheese in this casserole not only adds creaminess but also helps balance the acidity of the marinara sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze it before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or a meatless option like lentils.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely, mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until heated through.
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